Nola Yurnangurnu Campbell
Wanarn, WA
Yunpalara (Lake Blair) is a large lakebed west of Patjarr. It is more often dry than not, relying on rainfall to fill it. After rain, the lake is home to many water birds. The surface cracks as it dries. Ngirntaka (the perentie goanna), travelling from Well 33 on the Canning Stock Route, came through this area and made Yunpalara on his way with a large sweep of his tail.
About the Artist
I like being able to paint the Country I grew up in, was born in, to keep it alive. It also makes me think about my mother and my family who used to walk this Country long before me. The Country I paint is their Country too.'
Nola Yurnangurnu Campbell was born close to Patjarr in the Gibson Desert (northern Western Australia) in 1948. She grew up travelling across the Desert Country and her paintings are populated with memories of rituals, family and stories at rock holes and special places. Her subject matter covers the three significant dreaming sites across Patjarr: Yunpalara, Tika Tika and Mina Mina.
Since 2004, Nola�s work has been widely exhibited and she has previously been a finalist in the Telstra NATSIAA in 2007, 2010 and 2019. Her work is held in public collections including the Western Australian Museum, South Australian Museum and the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.
