Pirlinyanu 2002 by Julie Nangala Robertson, 41x41cm 7765JR

This painting, titled Pirlinyanu, 2002 is part of a series of early works created in 2002 when Julie Nangala Robertson began painting alongside her mother, Dorothy Napangardi, in her studio. The influence of her mother is evident in this piece, drawing parallels to works featured in the MCA Catalogue from Dorothy’s 2002 survey exhibition and the book documenting her art and life.

Julie continued in her mother’s footsteps when she won the Best Painting category in the 2023 Telstra Aboriginal Art Award, a title Dorothy had previously won in 1991 before going on to claim the Overall Category in 2001.

Julie’s work is deeply rooted in the Water Dreaming, which is associated with her custodial site, Pirlinyanu—a rocky outcrop with deep wells that serve as vital water sources. In Warlpiri, pirli means "stone." This sacred site lies west of Nyrripi in the Central Desert of Australia and holds great cultural significance.

This important Dreaming belongs to those with the skin names Nangala or Nampitjinpa for women, and Jangala or Jampitjinpa for men, ensuring its knowledge and traditions are passed down through generations.

The eldest of five daughters of Dorothy Napangardi, Julie recently changed the spelling of her surname to Robertson, aligning with her relatives in Yuendumu. Her father, Windy Robertson, had originally spelled it as "Robinson," though most of her extended family carries the Robertson name.

This early work reflects Julie Nangala Robertson’s artistic evolution, honouring her mother’s legacy while establishing her own place in contemporary Aboriginal art.