Lily Hargraves

Deceased 2018

Born in the southern area of the Tanami, near Chilla Well, Nungarrayi was one of the original desert walkers. She travelled by foot extensively across the desert; learning the stories of her Jukurrpa (Dreaming), learning the knowledge of her lands. After the government relocation program in the late 1940s brought her to Lajamanu, she then crossed the Tanami, walking more than 600 kilometres to return to her homelands.

Nungarrayi was dedicated to the preservation of Warlpiri culture. For many years, she taught Warlpiri language and culture to the children at the Lajamanu school. She was highly invested in recording and preserving cultural knowledge and traditions, aware of the importance of keeping Warlpiri culture alive as the Western world encroached.

Renowned for her use of colour and expression, Nungarrayi painted as a way of sharing Warlpiri culture with the outside world. As she aged, her style evolved becoming looser and more free. Her use of colour expanded, as her experience dictated the execution and technique of her brushstrokes. Nungarrayi’s confidence and understanding of her Jukurrpa allowed her to apply her signature bold brushstrokes, while working across a broad colour pallete.

Nungarrayi was a ground-breaking artist and widely regarded for her unique style in the early days of Indigenous art. Her work is still highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts. With high commendations, Nungarrayi was a finalist at the NATSIAAs on multiple occasions. At her peak, she was widely exhibited in Australia and overseas, including France, Brazil and the USA, and her work continues to be held in a number of major collections.