Rosie Tasman

Deceased 2018

Rosie Tasman, skin name Napurrurla, was born in the mid to late 1920s, and grew up walking the traditional songlines of the Tanami Desert. Crossing the desert, following the seasonal availability of food and water, Napurrurla travelled the vast lands of the Tanami on foot with her family, guided by the stories of their Jukurrpa (Dreaming).

Napurrurla was moved to Lajamanu during the Government’s relocation programs in the early 1950s. Possessing great wisdom and knowledge, she dedicated herself to the preservation of Warlpiri culture and tradition.

Together with Molly Napurrurla Tasman and Lily Nungarrayi Hargraves, the trio were leaders of the Warlpiri art scene, becoming widely known both in Australia and overseas. Featuring bright and bold lines and controlled dot work, Napurrurla is recognisable for her colour choice and sense of design.

Exhibited internationally and throughout Australia, Napurrurla has artwork that is held in a collection by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). In 2010, she was a finalist at the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award (NATSIAA).