Marjorie Williams Nungarrayi, known by close relations as ‘Nunga’, was born in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) in 1953. She is a senior Western Aranda Woman, who remains heavily involved and respected in the community. Nunga first practiced in dot painting, murals and batik in Ntaria, and also painted with Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre in the early 2000’s. Since joining Tangentyere Artists in 2017, Nunga has developed a sought-after style of figurative landscape painting, depicting memories of her early years on Country. She spent this time between Iwupataka (Jay Creek) and Ntaria (Hermannsburg), as well as frequently visiting Tempe Downs, her mother’s Country. Nunga cleverly uses vibrant colours and exaggerated proportions to make apparent the hive of activity present in these places. Soaring eagles, goannas, echidnas and horses are brought to the forefront of her expansive landscapes, “it’s their Country, all the animal’s Country and they live there.” Alongside the many animals, Nunga also depicts Anangu sleeping in humpies, kungkas (women) digging for witchetty grub and kids swimming in waterholes. Most known for her figurative landscapes, Nunga also paints non-figurative works, and alongside her artistic practice balances many important roles. She is a proud grandmother, Western Aranda language teacher and member of the Central Australian Women’s choir, travelling internationally to perform.
