Ursula Napangardi Marks Australian, Warlpiri, b. 1979
Ursula Napangardi is a younger artist following in the traditions of the Warlpiri people, who now live in small towns in the Tanami Desert. Napangardi’s art can be complex or very simple. Her art depicts Jukurrpa (Dreaming stories, containing information about the creation of the landscape, knowledge of resources and Warlpiri law) or an aspect of Jukurrpa. Her works can be full of colour, or consist of bold confident lines. Her subjects were handed down to her from her grandparents and she is now a custodian of them. She is a lady who has been in the most important ceremonies for Warlpiri women, including her sons' and nephews' ceremonies. Her art is informed not only by her personal cultural history, but also by working for the last 10 years with Warnayaka Artists such as Lily Nungarrayi Hargraves, Kitty Napanangka Simon and Rosie & Molly Napurrurla Tasman.
Her works have been exhibited in Darwin, Sydney and Brisbane galleries as well as in America. In 2020 they were featured at the enormously successful DAAF online event and then at the Sydney Contemporary by Cooee Art Gallery. Because of COVID this was also an online event.