Karen Napaljarri Barnes

After finishing school in Lajamanu, Karen Napaljarri Barnes moved to Yuendumu and started painting for Warlukurlangu in 2001. She learned from her grandmother, Judy Napangardi Watson, who taught her cultural stories and traditions while encouraging her art. Karen paints Dreaming stories that have been passed down through her family for generations. These stories originate from Mina Mina, a land west of Yuendumu, for which her family are the traditional custodians. Recently, Karen has gained recognition for her depictions of Budgerigar Dreaming (Ngatijirri Jukurrpa), using bold, contrasting colours to portray the birds and abstract depictions of their surrounding landscapes.