Freddie Timms (Ngarrmaliny, Janama) emerged in the late 1980s as an important East Kimberley artist, having assisted Rover Thomas in painting boards for his early performance work. Timms began painting aerial views of the land that have invited comparison with Thomas’ art.
Read MoreTimms grew up on the Bow River and Lissadell Stations, but following the stockman’s dispute of the 1970s, he and his family were relocated to East Kimberley, where he worked as a stockman. During this period he also acquired knowledge and techniques in painting from artists such as Jack Britten, Rover Thomas and his father-in-law, Paddy Jampinji.
Timms works are characterised by their use of red, black or yellow pigments from local rock art, with the artist also establishing boundaries and lines with white dots. His maps and landscapes reveal the detail of the land; its black soil, creeks and water holes as well as spiritual sites.
As an Aboriginal artist, Timms has also worked for greater autonomy of indigenous work, setting up a corporation with Melbourne art dealer Tony Oliver who assisted him in marketing work on consignment from local artists.
Timms’ work is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney.
