Pirlinyanu Site - Water Dreaming, 2010 by Julie Nangala Robertson, 122x91cm, Cat 14263JR

"Pirlinyanu Site - Water Dreaming, 2010" by Julie Nangala Robertson vividly captures her Ngapa Jukurrpa (Water Dreaming), connected to her father’s traditional country of Pirlinyanu. This rocky outcrop in the Tanami Desert, west of Yuendumu and near the Western Australia border, is vital for its significant waterholes and abundant bush tucker.

Pirlinyanu is a key location for the Water Dreaming because those with traditional knowledge can access fresh water in its deep, naturally occurring wells by moving specific rocks. Without this insight, one might mistakenly believe there is no water in this arid landscape.

Using an aerial perspective and a distinctive monochromatic palette, Julie’s paintings achieve extraordinary optical brilliance. She alternates dot sizes and builds specific shapes and reference points through repeated overdotting, creating dynamic and intricate works.

Julie, the eldest of five daughters of Dorothy Napangardi Robinson, recently changed the spelling of her surname to Robertson to align with her relatives in Yuendumu, correcting a misspelling by her father, Windy. Windy had two wives: Rene Robinson and Dorothy Robinson.

Winner of the prestigious Telstra Aboriginal Art Award in the Best Painting category in August 2023, Julie's art reflects her deep connection to her cultural heritage and the natural landscape, preserving and celebrating the traditions and stories of her ancestors through her remarkable paintings.