Yalpirakinu 2007 Etching by Adrian Robertson AR-14

Yalpirakinu 2007 by Adrian Jangala Robertson is a stunning etching, measuring 24.5 x 19.5 cm in image size, with a paper size of 53.5 x 39 cm. Utilising a minimal colour palette of soft to golden yellows, Robertson captures the early morning light illuminating the desert mountains of his mother’s Country, Yalpirakinu, also known as Yuelamu. The ridges of the mountains are rendered in earthy tones of ochre brown and cream, creating depth and texture that draws the viewer into the scene.

This work is a homage to his mother, Eunice Napangardi, a respected artist, and evokes memories of family and heritage. The influence of his mentor, Billy Benn Perrurle, is evident in the bold, energetic brushwork and the careful manipulation of the landscape’s form.

Born in Papunya in 1962, Robertson has been a key figure in the Bindi Mwerre Anthurre Artists community since 2002. His artistic achievements are impressive, with nominations for the prestigious Wynne, Archibald, and Sulman Prizes, as well as wins at the Telstra Painting Award (2020) and the Alice Prize (2022). A proud Warlpiri man, Robertson’s etchings and paintings serve as a powerful testament to his deep connection to his heritage and the Central Western Desert.