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Lorna Fencer Napurrula
Born: 1920
People: Warlpiri
Language: Warlpiri
Area: Lajamunu
Lorna Fencer Napurrula, country situated near the Granites in the Tanami
Desert, Northern Territory. The Yarla (Yam) Dreaming track originates from
this region and travels north toward Lajamanu. She is a senior Warlpiri
(language/tribal law group) woman. Today Lorna lives predominantly at
Lajamanu.
Lorna is a skilled painter of decorative body designs for ceremonies.
Lorna initiated her rise in the art world by painting for the Warnayaka Art
Centre, Northern Territory. In recent years, Lorna’s work has become
increasingly extravagant, abstract and catching the attention of art
collectors from around the world and giving her comparison with the late
Emily Kame Kngwarreye.
Lorna’s Dreamings include Yarla (Yam or Bush Potato), Wapirti and Marlujarra.
These Dreamings entitle her to paint subjects such as the bush yam (sweet
potato), "ngalatji" (little white flower), bush tomato, caterpillar, wallaby
and certain mens stories including boomerangs.
Lorna typically paints with acrylics on primed Belgium linen.
Lorna’s style is extremely bold, free and abstract. She applies the paint in
liberal quantities to the brush before touching down on the canvas and
layering the colours one upon the next. Upon completion of the work, only
the most public aspects of her Dreaming are revealed to the observer, the
most intimate details are concealed.
Lorna’s artistic achievements have been recognised by her inclusion in the
Murdoch Court at the National Gallery of Victoria and her invitation to
participate in the triennial 1998 John McCaughey Memorial Art Prize. In 1997
Lorna was granted the Gold Coast City Art Award.
Collections:
Christensen Collection, Museum of Victoria, Melbourne
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
The Holmes a Court Collection, Perth
Museum and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory, Darwin
Artbank, Sydney
Gold Coast City Art Gallery, Queensland
Gantner Myer Collection
Margaret Carnegie Collection
Laverty Collection, Sydney
Awards:
1997, Winner, Gold Coast City Art Award;
Conrad Jupiters Casino, Gold Coast.
1998, John McCaughey Memorial Art Award;
Commissioned artist National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
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