Lee Nangala Gallagher-Wayne

Lee is a talented artist and lives in Yuendumu, 300kms North East of Alice Springs. She depicts Ngapa Jukurrpa (Water Dreaming) and Yankirri Jukurrpa (Emu Dreaming) in her works.

The Ngapa Jukurrpa (Water dreaming) that Lee depicts comes from Wapurtali (Mt. Singleton) west of Yuendumu. In Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa, particular sites and other elements. Short dashes are often used to represent Mungkurdu (Cumulus & stratocumulus clouds), and longer, flowing lines represent Ngawarra (flooded waters). Small circles are used to depict Mulju (water soakages) and river beds. A Marlu (kangaroo) was cooked at a place called Jalkirri. The smoke from the fire formed Milpirri (cumulonimbus clouds) and it began to rain. A giant storm formed and travelled from the south over Mikanji where it rained so hard it created a hole in the ground which became a soakage. At Mirrawarri, a bird picked up the storm and carried it on its wings to the west until it became too heavy for it and it had to drop it on the ground. The custodians of this Jukurrpa are women and men of the Nakamarra/Napurrula and Jakamarra/Jupurrurla subsection.

Dreaming Story Courtesy of Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation