Ngalyipi Jukurrpa (Climbing Vine) by Betsy Napangardi Lewis 91x91cm

Ngalyipi Jukurrpa (Climbing Vine) by Betsy Napangardi Lewis vividly portrays the snake vine, a plant of great cultural significance with numerous practical uses. The snake vine is traditionally used like string, tying feathers on the legs and arms during ceremonies, and carrying coolamons filled with bush foods or even small children. The roundel at the bottom center of the painting symbolises a large lake, a clay pan that fills after substantial rainfall.

Betsy Napangardi Lewis recalls, "I've been dancing there - a long time with Daddy Paddy Lewis. He found that big lake on the other side of Mina Mina, our country." The U-shapes in the painting represent the 'kirda' (custodians of this country), specifically Napanangka/Napangardi and Japanangka/Japangardi. The 'kurlangu' (the group overseeing the correct performance of the ceremony and songs) are represented by Napurrurla/Nakamarra and Japurrurla/Jakamarra.

Betsy is a member of the Warlpiri language group and spent much of her life in the Yuendumu community, approximately 350km northwest of Alice Springs, after leaving the desert during assimilation. She is the elder sister of the well-known artist Dorothy Napangardi, and her work beautifully encapsulates the connection to her ancestral land and traditions.

Curators note: In the photo on the left you can see a strand of linen which is obviously not permanent.