Pirlinyanu Site - Water Dreaming 2004 by Julie Nangala Robertson, 30x23cm stretchedCat 8759JR

Julie Nangala Robertson, the 2023 Telstra Aboriginal Art Award winner in the Best Painting category, masterfully portrays her Ngapa Jukurrpa (Water Dreaming) in her 2004 piece, "Pirlinyanu Site - Water Dreaming." This artwork is deeply connected to her father's traditional country of Pirlinyanu, a rocky outcrop in the Tanami Desert, located west of Yuendumu and near the WA border.

Robertson's work offers an aerial perspective of the sacred site, employing her distinctive monochromatic palette. Her technique of using varying dot sizes creates a mesmerizing visual effect, capturing the essence of the landscape and its spiritual significance. The Ngapa Jukurrpa (Water Dreaming) is an integral part of Warlpiri culture, and the location of deep rock holes at Pirlinyanu is a crucial aspect of this Dreaming.

Julie Nangala Robertson, the eldest daughter of Dorothy Napangardi Robinson, recently changed the spelling of her surname from Robinson to Robertson to correct a historical misspelling by her father, Windy. This adjustment aligns her surname with her relatives in Yuendumu. Robertson's dedication to preserving and celebrating her cultural heritage through her art solidifies her as a significant figure in the Aboriginal art community.