Artist: Lorna Naparrula Fencer | Title: Water Dreaming | Year: 2000 | Medium: synthetic polymer paint on canvas | Dimensions: 80 x 60 cm
PROVENANCE
Katherine Art Gallery, NT
Coo-ee Aboriginal Art, NSW
ARTWORK STORY
This painting belongs to women of the Nakamarra and Naparulla skin groups. It shows the country in flood. At this time the dry claypans fill up and overflow to become rivers and eventually water completely covers the landscape. The place is Duck Ponds. This is the artist's country and the home of the water snake.
Artist Profile
COMMUNITY/REGION
Lajamanu, NT
LANGUAGE
Warlpiri
BIOGRAPHY
Born c. 1925, at Yarturlu Yarturlu, a Yam Dreaming site, Lorna Fencer, was the custodian of inherited land Yumurrpa situated near Chilla Well, south of the Granites Mine in the Tanami Desert. Her father’s country was Wapurtali. She spent her early years living a traditional life until, in 1949 she, along with many of her Warlpiri countrymen, were forcibly transported to the government settlement of Lajamanu at Hooker Creek, situated in the country of the Gurindji people. Lajamanu lay 250 miles north of the traditional Warlpiri homelands and it became a disconsolate community, as its governance during the 1950’s was militant and suppressive. Many Walrpiri walked the 800 km back to Yuendumu only to be forcibly returned once more, thereby creating a deep sense of disempowerment and loss. Despite this, the Warlpiri elders kept their customs and ceremonies alive with a fierce determination. Lorna Napurrula in particular maintained and strengthened her cultural identity through ceremonial activity thereby asserting her position as a prominent elder and teacher in the community… Continue Reading
PROVENANCE
Katherine Art Gallery, NT
Coo-ee Aboriginal Art, NSW
ARTWORK STORY
This painting belongs to women of the Nakamarra and Naparulla skin groups. It shows the country in flood. At this time the dry claypans fill up and overflow to become rivers and eventually water completely covers the landscape. The place is Duck Ponds. This is the artist's country and the home of the water snake.
Artist Profile
COMMUNITY/REGION
Lajamanu, NT
LANGUAGE
Warlpiri
BIOGRAPHY
Born c. 1925, at Yarturlu Yarturlu, a Yam Dreaming site, Lorna Fencer, was the custodian of inherited land Yumurrpa situated near Chilla Well, south of the Granites Mine in the Tanami Desert. Her father’s country was Wapurtali. She spent her early years living a traditional life until, in 1949 she, along with many of her Warlpiri countrymen, were forcibly transported to the government settlement of Lajamanu at Hooker Creek, situated in the country of the Gurindji people. Lajamanu lay 250 miles north of the traditional Warlpiri homelands and it became a disconsolate community, as its governance during the 1950’s was militant and suppressive. Many Walrpiri walked the 800 km back to Yuendumu only to be forcibly returned once more, thereby creating a deep sense of disempowerment and loss. Despite this, the Warlpiri elders kept their customs and ceremonies alive with a fierce determination. Lorna Napurrula in particular maintained and strengthened her cultural identity through ceremonial activity thereby asserting her position as a prominent elder and teacher in the community… Continue Reading
