Yartaru, Kurrujunku and Ngapakurla by Rosie Goodgie, 106x76cm

Yartaru, Kurrujunku and Ngapakurla by Rosie Goodgie Napanardi is a captivating narrative painting, reflecting her deep connection to the country where she spent her childhood. Rosie describes, "This is my mother and father's country and my husband's…," capturing the essence of her ancestral land and its stories.

Born around 1930 near the Nila waterhole ( pily ), Rosie belongs to the Wangkajunga language group. As a child, she walked extensively across Nila country, learning its landscapes and resources. Her animal spirit is Mingajurru (bandicoot), a recurring motif in her art, alongside depictions of tjirrilpatja and bush foods from her homeland.

Rosie’s paintings often centre on the waterholes and terrain around Kulyayi waterhole, near Well 39 on the Canning Stock Route. As a young girl, she traveled these lands with her family, relying on seasonal migrations to access vital resources. The living water desert waterholes were central to survival, immortalised in Dreaming stories and passed down through song cycles.

After leaving her ancestral home, Rosie travelled north via the Canning Stock Route to Bililuna and Old Balgo Catholic Mission, working on stations and learning English. Despite the hardships, Rosie maintained a strong connection to her traditional lands and the way of life her ancestors had followed for millennia.

Rosie Goodgie is a respected Wangkajunga artist represented by Mangkaja Arts Resource Aboriginal Corporation. Her work captures the spirit of her homeland, ensuring the enduring legacy of her people’s stories and connection to country.