Warlayirti Artists

Location:

Balgo WA

Region:

North Western

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Artworks

Artist Profile/s

Ningie Nanala

Born
1937
1937
Lives
Skin
Nangala
Language
Kukatja

Ningie was born in the Pippar/Kiwirrkurra area. Her mother and father died when she was very young, and she came to the Balgo Mission at the invitation of Aboriginal people living there. Her family group was camped at Lirrwati close to Balgo. Like many people at that time, she returned to her own country before settling more permanently at the old mission, first at Tjalyiwarn, then at its present site at Wirrimanu from 1962. As a young girl she tended the mission goats, gathering bush food for them to eat. She married and had four children. After her first husband passed away, she married Tjumpo Tjapanangka, another important Balgo artist, and had a further five children.

Ningie has been a prominent Balgo artist for many years, her bold and dramatic style was highly sought after and her unique application of thick ‘rivers’ of paint result in a highly unique style. In her later year Ningie has developed a ‘loose’ style of painting as a result of her frailty and loss of eyesight, this has developed into a wild and uninhibited style which only comes with age and a deep knowledge of country. Ningie loves to paint and is dedicated and prolific artist.

Courtesy Warlayirti Artists

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Dulcie Nanala

Born
1956
1956
Lives
Skin
Napaltjarri Napangarti
Language
Kukatja, Pintupi

Dulcie is the daughter of renowned Balgo artist Ningie Nanala and was grown-up by her step-father Tjumpo Tjapanangka (deceased). She began painting during 1997, and since this time has developed a diverse repertoire of image making. Like her famous parents, Dulcie often paints within the warm desert hues of yellow, orange and red. Primarily, her works relate to that of her parents' country far to the south of Balgo near Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay), recalling the vast tracks of land with its saltpans, claypans and plentiful mangarri (bushfoods). Steeped within the Balgo tradition, Dulcie creates beautiful contemporary stylized works that invite the viewer to experience her heritage and country.

Dulcie's father returned to the desert after conflict with the missionaries in Balgo, he reunited with his Pintupi Country and families. They did not reemerge into the 'whitefella world' until the late 1980s, now forever known as the 'Pintupi 9'

Currently, Dulcie along with her extensive family, resides in Balgo. She is a well-respected community member, a primary linguist for this area and continues to create her inspirational artworks.

In 2019 Dulcie was the Warlayirti Artists chairperson, she continues to be an active champion of the Warlayirti Artists.

Courtesy of Warlayirti Artists

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Winifred Nanala

Born
1966
1966
Lives
Waralyirti Artists
Skin
Napaltjarri
Language
Kukatja Pintupi

Winifred was born and raised at the new Balgo Mission (current site of Balgo community). She is the daughter of renowned Warlayirti artists Tjumpo (dec) and Ningie Nanala. She has lived across the Kimberley region, spending time with her family between Mulan and Balgo communities. Winnifred has 4 girls, 1 boy and many many grandchildren.

Winifred has spent many years learning painting technique and the countries of her father and mother. She expertly combines her mother’s densely applied doinng with her father’s strong form.

Winifred is a passionate artists who loves to go On Country and spend time on her parent's homelands. She proudly walks in their footsteps.

Courtesy of Warlayirti Artists

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Vincent Nanala

Born
1975
1975
Lives
Warlayirti Artists
Skin
Tjapangati Tjapaltjarri
Language
Kukatja Pintupi

Vincent Nanala is the son of renowned Warlayirti Artists Ningie Nanala and Tjumpo Tjapanangka (c.1929-2007). He paints in the Pintupi style of art characterized by strong line work and a minimal palette. He learned this optical painting style from his father Tjumpo and his brother, well-known Papunya Tula artist, Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri.

Vincent completed his schooling in Balgo and has lived there most of his life, although he travels to Kiwirrkurra regularly to visit families. Vincent works at the Balgo Community Store and paints at the art centre on his days off. The Country Vincent paints is far south of Balgo near Lake Mackay, it’s called Ngukanpalikarr, snake Tjukurrpa (creation stories and lore). Vincent’s father built a well on this Country so families could regularly visit and look after it. Vincent has two daughters and three grandsons.

Vincent is a hard working member of Balgo community, in addition to painting at the art centre most afternoons, he has worked at the shop and recently takes care of the school grounds. Vincent is currently a board member of Warlayirti Artists.

Courtesy of Warlayirti Artists

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