Until 1957 Pegleg lived in the vicinity of Wilkinkarra, and in 1964 he moved with his family to Yuendumu. He was a trustee of the Wilkinkarra Land Trust.

Pegleg lived at Nyirrpi and began painting when visiting his friend and relation Pinta Pinta Tjapanangka at Walungurru. His paintings evoke the style of some works of the early 1970's that favoured a limited palette and focused on Tingari design. After Pinta Pinta's death, and due to his failing eyesight, Pegleg stopped painting. This painting was exhibited at Pegleg's first exhibition in many years after a successful eye operation restored his sight. Pegleg is mentioned in the books Bindibu Country by Donald Thomson (1975) and The Lizard Eaters by Douglas Lockwood (1964). Pegleg's paintings featured in the important exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW 'Papunya Tula - Genesis and Genius' in 2000. He is represented in major public and private collections throughout Australia and overseas.

This is a painting of Tingari Cycle. The Tingari cycle painting represents an aspect of the Tingari creation event. The Tingari travelled over vast stretches of the country, performing rituals and creating and shaping particular sites. The Tingari Men were usually followed by Tingari Women and accompanied by novices, and their travels and adventures are enshrined in a number of song cycles. These creation stories form part of the teachings of post-initiatory youths at the same time providing the basis for contemporary customs. Since events associated with the Tingari Cycle are of a secret nature no further details are given.

COLLECTIONS :

National Gallery of Australia

National Gallery of Victoria

Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art