Ngapa Jukurrpa by Sabrina Nangala Robertson 76X41cm 8795SR

Ngapa Jukurrpa (Water Dreaming) by Sabrina Nangala Robertson

Sabrina Nangala Robertson’s Ngapa Jukurrpa (Water Dreaming) beautifully captures the essence of a sacred Dreaming story rooted in the Mikanji watercourse, a usually dry creek west of Yuendumu. Through the use of vivid yellow and white lines, Sabrina evokes the imagery of raindrops descending onto the sandy terrain, breathing contemporary life into this timeless narrative.

This Dreaming holds significant cultural value for the Jangala/Jampijinpa men and Nangala/Nampijinpa women, who safeguard its traditions. It tells of a rain ancestor’s journey from Puyurru, northwest of Yuendumu, to a mulju (soakage) in the Mikanji creek. At the soakage, two blind women of the Nampijinpa skin group witnessed the arrival of a powerful storm. As they strained their eyes to see the rain-filled skies, their tears mingled with the storm, deepening the spiritual bond between people and the land. To this day, their spirits are said to reside as ngapiri (river red gums) standing guard by the soakage.

Sabrina, the second eldest daughter of legendary artist Dorothy Napangardi and sister to Julie Nangala Robertson, continues her family’s artistic legacy with an innovative touch. Embracing her evolving journey as an artist, she recently adjusted the spelling of her surname from "Robinson" to "Robertson," reflecting her growth and identity.

This masterful artwork illustrates Sabrina’s skill in bridging traditional storytelling with contemporary expression. Ngapa Jukurrpa invites audiences to connect with the sacred landscapes of Yuendumu while celebrating the rich heritage and artistry of one of Australia’s exciting mid career Aboriginal artists.