Uni Nampijinpa Martin Etching Pamapardu 2003

This delightful etching, titled Pamapardu manu Yankirri Jukurrpa literally translates to Ant and Emu. "Pamapardu is the Warlpiri name for the 'flying ants' or termites that build the large termite moulds, Mingkirri, found throughout Warlpiri country. After rains the ants emerge from their nests to fly to a new home. They subsequently discard their wings when they re-enter a mould. The ant grubs are eaten by goannas and collected by women for human consumption. The small oval shapes represent both the ants' wings and the path taken by the Freamtime ancestors, from Yilkiwarnu. The Yankirri Jukurrpa passes through this area, they were travelling from Yarluyumu east of Napperby and it is a site for the Emu Dreaming. They travelled to Ngarna and travelled west and told the walyka emus to come with them back to Napperby. The Dreaming belongs to Nampijinpa/Nangala women and Jampijinpa/Jangala men. The emus are shown standing around their nest (mina)." (Warlukurlangu Artists)

As a founding member of the Warlukurlangu Artists Centre in the Northern Territory, Warlpiri artist Uni Nampijinpa Martin places community at the core of her practice. Working across large-scale acrylic paintings and intimate etchings, she has exhibited since at least 1987, including participation in Aratjara , the landmark exhibition of Australian First Nations art that toured Europe in 1993.

In Warlu manu Jirrama wati , Nampijinpa Martin uses bold contrasts of yellow, black and white to animate organic forms. While deceptively simple, the composition is layered with meaning: the recurring ‘U’ shapes commonly reference Nampijinpa and Nangala women. Despite its modest scale, the work is visually and conceptually complex.

Across more than four decades, Nampijinpa Martin has exhibited nationally and internationally. Her work is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria, including two collaborative paintings with senior law woman and fellow Warlpiri artist Dolly Nampijinpa Daniels. For collectors, Warlu manu Jirrama wati is a rare and compelling example of her practice.

Image size 16x20cm Paper size 35x39cm