Artist: Biddy Nabaljarri | Title: Snakes Dreaming | Year: 1998 | Medium: synthetic polymer paint on canvas board | Dimensions: 38 x 76 cm
PROVENANCE
Warnayaka Arts Cat No. BR186
ARTWORK STORY
This Jukurrpa belongs to Jakamarra and Jupurrurla men. The place depicted in this painting, Ngama, is located south of Yuendumu in the Northern Territory. This story describes the journey of Yarripiri the Warna (snake). The snake travelled, from Wirnparrku near Mt. Liebig to Yimparlu, Ngapanangka-jarra, Warlajirryi, Kurnmundu, Yinyirrinyi and on to Ngama. Later Yarripiri travelled further north via Mijirlparnta (Mission Creek) and right through to the top end of Australia. Yarripiri was very sad as his family had left him behind at Wirnparrku. He was blind and crippled but he was determined to follow and search them out. He had to be carried. This is the job undertaken by the Kurdungurlu (managers of the Dreaming). Where Yarripiri's tail slumped and touched the ground creeks formed, such as Mijirlparnta, west of Yuendumu. This Dreaming belongs to Nakamarra/Napurrurla women and Jakamarra/Jupururla men.
Artist Profile
COMMUNITY/REGION
Lajamanu, NT
LANGUAGE
Warlpiri
BIOGRAPHY
Biddy Napaljarri was born around 1949 in Willowra and moved to Yuendumu as a young child. Over the years, she has worked in various roles, including at the Council office, cutting wood in the bush, and assisting with programs like the Old People’s Program, the Women’s Centre, and the Night Patrol. She has also collaborated with the Centre for Appropriate Technology (CATT), creating tucker boxes and other items. Additionally, Biddy supports her community by visiting men in jail and supervising school children on camps.
Biddy is a widow and lives in Yuendumu with her family, which includes her daughter, grandson, and great-granddaughter.
She began painting with the Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Association in 1987, focusing on budgerigar dreaming stories passed down from her father and grandfather. These stories are tied to the country around Willowra, a place she still visits to connect with family. Biddy has been showcasing her art in group exhibitions since 1990.
REFERENCES
Everywhen Art. Biddy Napaljarri White, 2013.
PROVENANCE
Warnayaka Arts Cat No. BR186
ARTWORK STORY
This Jukurrpa belongs to Jakamarra and Jupurrurla men. The place depicted in this painting, Ngama, is located south of Yuendumu in the Northern Territory. This story describes the journey of Yarripiri the Warna (snake). The snake travelled, from Wirnparrku near Mt. Liebig to Yimparlu, Ngapanangka-jarra, Warlajirryi, Kurnmundu, Yinyirrinyi and on to Ngama. Later Yarripiri travelled further north via Mijirlparnta (Mission Creek) and right through to the top end of Australia. Yarripiri was very sad as his family had left him behind at Wirnparrku. He was blind and crippled but he was determined to follow and search them out. He had to be carried. This is the job undertaken by the Kurdungurlu (managers of the Dreaming). Where Yarripiri's tail slumped and touched the ground creeks formed, such as Mijirlparnta, west of Yuendumu. This Dreaming belongs to Nakamarra/Napurrurla women and Jakamarra/Jupururla men.
Artist Profile
COMMUNITY/REGION
Lajamanu, NT
LANGUAGE
Warlpiri
BIOGRAPHY
Biddy Napaljarri was born around 1949 in Willowra and moved to Yuendumu as a young child. Over the years, she has worked in various roles, including at the Council office, cutting wood in the bush, and assisting with programs like the Old People’s Program, the Women’s Centre, and the Night Patrol. She has also collaborated with the Centre for Appropriate Technology (CATT), creating tucker boxes and other items. Additionally, Biddy supports her community by visiting men in jail and supervising school children on camps.
Biddy is a widow and lives in Yuendumu with her family, which includes her daughter, grandson, and great-granddaughter.
She began painting with the Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Association in 1987, focusing on budgerigar dreaming stories passed down from her father and grandfather. These stories are tied to the country around Willowra, a place she still visits to connect with family. Biddy has been showcasing her art in group exhibitions since 1990.
REFERENCES
Everywhen Art. Biddy Napaljarri White, 2013.