Lorna Fencer Napurrula

Lorna Fencer Napurrula (c.1923-2006) was a senior Warlpiri Aboriginal artist, born at Yarturlu Yarturlu, a Yam Dreaming site in the Tanami Desert. She was the custodian of the sacred Country of Yumurrpa situated near Chilla Well, south of the Granites Mine and for the Yarla (bush potato), Luju (caterpillar), Bush Tomato, Onion and Plum dreamings.

She spent her early years living a traditional life, until in 1949 she, along with many of her Warlpiri countrymen, were forcibly transported to the government settlement of Lajamanu at Hooker Creek, situated in the country of the Gurindji people. Nevertheless, Lorna maintained and strengthened her cultural identity through ceremonial activity and art and was among one of the first to take up acrylic painting at the Lajamanu School in 1986. She asserted her position as a prominent elder and teacher in the community.

Lorna's works are known for their abstract and bold designs that feature strong and vivid colours. The combination of her unrivalled knowledge of tribal law and dreamings, along with her intuitive use of colour and free gestural brush strokes in telling her stories.

Lorna is represented in the Australian National Gallery and National Gallery of Victoria, in State Galleries and major private collections. In 2007 Lorna was named as one of Australia’s 50 most collectable artists by the Australian Art Collector Magazine and in 2011 a major touring survey exhibition titled ‘Yulyurlu – Lorna Napurrula Fencer’ travelled around Australian institutional galleries.

Please Note: This Artist has passed away and out of respect for Aboriginal culture, we have removed any photos of this Artist holding her artworks from our website.