Jungunpa 2003 by Polly Napangardi Watson 61x31cm

Jungunpa (Marsupial Mouse) 2003 – Polly Napangardi Watson

"Jungunpa (Marsupial Mouse) 2003" by Polly Napangardi Watson is a striking depiction of the Jungunpa Dreaming, an important story from Warlpiri culture. The jungunpa, or marsupial mouse, is a small, nocturnal mammal that lives in underground burrows, only emerging at night to feed. This elusive creature is a highly valued bush food among Aboriginal people, reflecting its deep connection to traditional survival and ecological knowledge.

One of the most significant sites associated with the Jungunpa Dreaming is Mount Doreen, the artist’s birthplace, located west of Yuendumu, approximately 350 km northwest of Alice Springs in the Tanami Desert. Polly’s painting captures the aerial perspective of the tracks taken by the marsupial mouse as it emerges at night, navigating the desert landscape in search of food.

Sacred Custodianship of Jungunpa Dreaming

The custodians of the Jungunpa Jukurrpa (Dreaming) belong to the Napangardi/Napanangka skin group, following Warlpiri kinship traditions. The sacred responsibility of passing down this ceremonial and cultural knowledge is upheld by aunt-niece relationships, ensuring that ancestral wisdom is preserved through generations. Elders (father’s sisters) continue to teach young Warlpiri women about the significance of this Dreaming, following strict adherence to traditional law.

Other Important Dreamings by Polly Napangardi Watson

In addition to Jungunpa (Marsupial Mouse) Jukurrpa, Polly Napangardi Watson also painted:

• Ngurlu (Black Seed) Jukurrpa
• Watiki (Bush Plum) Jukurrpa
• Warnakiji (Bush Tomato) Jukurrpa

Polly Napangardi Watson – A Pioneer in Aboriginal Art

Polly Napangardi Watson was one of the first Warlpiri women to paint, emerging as a leading artist early in her career, which began in 1987. She was a close friend of Dorothy Napangardi, Pansy Napangardi, and Rachel Jurra Napaltjarri, all of whom lived in Alice Springs during the 1980s. Together, they attended a literacy course at the Institute of Aboriginal Development (IAD), where they were introduced to painting. Encouraged by mentors, they began working at the Centre for Aboriginal Artists, a government-supported gallery that played a key role in promoting early female Aboriginal artists.

Polly Napangardi Watson was known for her delicate approach to dot painting. She was also one of the first artists to experiment with overdotting, a technique that creates a unique sense of depth, movement, and texture in her paintings. When the government gallery closed in 1990, she transitioned to painting for Gallery Gondwana, where she became one of their most successful and sought-after artists.

Legacy and Influence

Polly Napangardi Watson’s paintings are highly regarded for their sophisticated colour compositions, intricate dot work, and deep cultural narratives. Her work is held in major public and private collections, cementing her legacy as a pioneering female Aboriginal artist.

Through her dedication to storytelling and artistic excellence, Polly Napangardi Watson helped pave the way for future generations of Warlpiri women artists, ensuring that Dreaming stories remain celebrated across Australia and the world.