Watiya Tjuta, 2024 | 62h x 62w | RK914
Not framed or stretched | Acrylic on primed linen
Debra McDonald Nangala (b.1969) comes from an impressive artistic family. Her mother, Martha Napaltjarri MacDonald, was a highly respected Papunya Tjupi artist, her grandfather was Shorty Lungkata Tjungurrayi and her sister is Lynda Syddick.
Both Debra and Shorty’s stories refer to the Lake MacDonald area in the Gibson Desert, Central Australia. Debra was married to the nephew of the great Turkey Tolson, and son of the wonderful female artist Mitjili Napurrula.
Debra is now the custodian of Kulata (Spear) Tjukurrpa (story) which was handed down to her by Mitjili. She uses a style and iconography that Mitjili developed and used in many of her paintings which represents the women's side of the story, showing the trees (Watiya) that provide the wood for spear shafts and other objects. Her brother Turkey Tolsen painted the Dreaming associated with the spear making itself. Mitjili was taught her father’s dreaming by her mother and she considered this to be one of her most important connections to her father because her father’s country, Ulwalki, is where the trees are found that provide the wood for spear making.
Debra's artwork is sought after by collectors worldwide. Her Talent is obvious, and she forms part of the next generation of artist’s who carrying on the stories and dreamings.
