Zakius Jack

Zakius was born in the bush near Papunya in 1970.  He is the son of Ikuntji Artists’ founding member Eunice Napanangka Jack and Gideon Tjupurrula Jack. Eunice was born in Lupul in the Sir Frederick Ranges, and travelled to Haasts Bluff with her parents as a child during ration days. Gideon was born in Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay) at Pinarri and also came into Haasts Bluff in the 1940’s. Zakius says, “Father walked from lake (Mackay) to Hermannsburg long time ago, he was a stockman. From there, he went to Papunya.” Both Eunice and Gideon began painting at Ikuntji Womens Centre (now Ikuntji Artists) since its opening in 1992.

Zakius is the youngest of his siblings, his older brothers are Tutuma Jack and Albie Jack, and their sister, Marlee Jack, has passed away. Zakius and his brothers grew up surrounded by art as both of their parents and grandparents (Papunya Tula Artists founding member Tutuma Jack is his grandfather) are acclaimed artists.

Zakius moved to Haasts Bluff as a young child with his family. He went to school in Haasts Bluff and then to Yirrara College in Alice Springs. Zakius was married in 1986 and has three children, Marilyn, Marlene and Lynette. Zakius says that all three of his children paint occasionally. Zakius lives primariy in Tjukurrla but returns to Haasts Bluff to spend time with his family and to paint.

Zakius began painting at Ikuntji Artists mid-2008 and is the only of his siblings that continues to paint today. His father, Gideon taught him to paint on canvas from the age of twenty. He paints Wilkinkarra – Lake Mackay, the country and Tjukurrpa (Dreaming) of his father and grandfather. Zakius employs traditionally simple and effective style in his work, having attracted attention from visitors and commercial galleries alike. Zakius has featured in a number of exhibitions and is represented in galleries in Australia and France.