Nancy Ross Nungurrayi

Nancy Ross Nungurrayi is a senior Warlpiri artist whose work reflects the deep cultural heritage of her community. Born in the Tanami Desert region of the Northern Territory, she grew up immersed in ceremony, song, and the traditional knowledge systems that underpin her painting practice. Her childhood was shaped by the desert landscape, with its shifting sandhills, water sources, and bush foods, all of which hold both practical and spiritual significance.

Nancy paints Dreamings that have been passed down through her family, many of them connected to sacred sites, ancestral journeys, and women’s ceremonies. Her works often feature strong compositions, with rhythmic dotting and bold design that capture both the physical terrain and the ancestral presence within it. Each painting is not only an artwork but also a continuation of cultural law, carrying forward stories that maintain identity and belonging for future generations.

She is widely respected as a custodian of knowledge and has contributed to the growth of desert painting since women first began working alongside men in community art centres. Her paintings are admired for their balance of tradition and individuality, presenting the power of Warlpiri storytelling in contemporary form.

Through her art, Nancy Ross Nungurrayi ensures that the richness of her Country and the authority of her culture remain strong and visible, both within her community and across the wider world.