Selina Napaljarri Malbunka
Selina was taught to paint by her grandmother, the revered artist Polly Napangardi Watson. Selina became a very successful artist, known for creating intriguing backgrounds in her paintings with delicate yet dynamic patterning. She also participated in a project producing beautiful silk ties inspired by Dreamtime stories.
Primarily, Selina painted her grandfather's country at Gilbert Springs near Alkngarrintja, a Western Arrernte outstation northwest of Alice Springs. It tells of the dry creek beds—'mulju' (water soakages), or naturally occurring wells—and the two Jangala men, who were rainmakers unleashing a great storm over the land, providing it with much-needed water.
Recently, Selina hasn't had much time to paint as she has been working as assistant manager of Hermannsburg Potters, a group of Western Arrernte Aboriginal people who have been hand-building pottery since the 1990s. The focus of their work is the intricate decoration of their pots.
