Pirlinyanu, 2005 by Julie Nangala Robertson 30x30cm Cat 9079JR

Using a striking monochromatic palette, Julie has painted the movement of rain falling on the rocky outcrop and the rock holes of Pirlinyanu, an important site for the Water Dreaming.

Pirlinyanu has many deep rockholes that keep the life giving source of water. This is her father's country and the passing of traditional knowledge teaches the location of deep rock holes here that contain valuable water even during dry times.

Julie Nangala Robertson is the winner of the 2023 Telstra Aboriginal Art Award in Best Painting Category.

The eldest of the five daughters of Dorothy Napangardi Robinson has recently changed the spelling of her surname to Robertson, feeling that her father, Windy, had misspelt it as Julie's other relatives in Yuendumu are all Robertson. Windy had two wives, Rene Robinson and Dorothy Robinson.