b.1940 / 1950 -

Known also as: Eunice Napangati

Region: Papunya, Alice Springs - Northern Territory

Language Group: Luritja/Warlpiri

WILDFLOWER DREAMING 119x37cm 01/1999 

                       BUSH BANANA DREAMING  61 x 89cm 2002                                             BUSH BANANA DREAMING 185 x 240cm 2002 

Eunice Napangardi was born in Yuendumu, just north-east of Alice Springs, Northern Territory and was sister to Alice and Pansy Napangardi and Rene Robinson Napangardi. Her Dreamings were Bush Banana [Yuparli], Yurrampi [Honey Ant] and Ngalyipi [Snake/Medicine Vine]. Like many Aboriginal families, these dreamings were co-shared between herself and her siblings.

Married to the late Kaapa Tjampitjimpa, one of the leading founders of the Aboriginal Contemporary art movement in Papunya, Eunice was exposed to an extraordinary milieu of Aboriginal painters. Originally, like many husband/wife teams she painted in the background dotting within her husband’s works. However, in the late 1980’s, she like so many other female Aboriginal artists began to come into their own and Eunice established herself as a leading female Aboriginal Artist. After the death of Kaapa, Eunice began to paint with renowned artist Maxi Tjampitjinpa [now deceased].

The Yuparli or Uparli [Bush Banana Dreaming] which signifies the journey of the Uparli ancestors became Eunice’s trademark signature. Eunice’s work often depicts the Bush Banana within its various growth cycles. Growing within rock and crevices close to dry river beds, the Yuparli is both known as an important food source and having special healing qualities. Highly detailed, her work is both animated and spirited like its creator. Eunice Napangardi was an extraordinary lady whose artwork continues to preserve Aboriginal culture and tradition.

Eunice has been painting for redrock gallery since 1997

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS:

1988 Bicentennial Authority Exhibition Project- being one of only three artist chosen for this unique exhibition she worked with her sister Rene Robinson Napangardi painting their traditional designs on furniture.

1989 Tjukurrpa Exhibition, Sydney Australia

1991 Modern Art-Ancient Icon, World Bank Exhibition, Washington D.C. USA.

1997 Manningham Art Space, Melbourne, Australia

2002-2006 redrock gallery, Melbourne, Australia

2006 redrock gallery, Group Exhibition, Relocation Exhibition, South Yarra, Australia

2007 June redrock gallery, Group Exhibition, Gallery Grand Opening Beijing, P.R China

2007 July redrock gallery, Group Exhibition China World Exhibition Centre, Beijing P.R China

2007 Aug redrock gallery, Group Exhibition, Grand Hyatt Hotel, Beijing, P.R China

2007 Nov redrock gallery, Group Exhibition, International Art Expo, Beijing, P.R China

SELECTED COMMISSIONS & COLLECTIONS:

1991 Alice Springs Airport

1992 Traveling International Exhibition, commenced DC Washington World Bank.

■ Museum of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia

■ South Australia Museum, Adelaide, Australia.

■ Federal Airports Corporation Collection

■ Richard Kelton Foundation Collection, USA.

■ Stockmen’s Hall of Fame, Australia

■ Mem Aziz private collection, Australia.

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