Kurri Kurriby Eubena Nampitjin

Eubena Yupinya Nampitjin was born at Tjinjadpa, which is west of Jupiter Well in the Great Sandy Desert, in Central Australia. Her exact age is unknown as birth records were not kept at the time however it is estimated that she was born in approximately 1922. Whilst Eubena was quite young she lost several close family members, including her mother, Moogaga. Prior to her mother’s passing, and as a young girl, Eubena was taught important knowledge and Marparn skills to become a traditional healer (witch doctor).

Growing up Eubena lived a nomadic life with her family, who would travel around hunting and performing ceremonies and law for the upkeep of the land and spiritual preservation. Life was hard; living in the harsh desert and many of her extended family passed away or moved to other parts of the country which were less severe.

As an adult, with the skills and knowledge passed down to her, Eubena became one of the most esteemed law women in the community of Balgo and she was often consulted and deferred to on all questions relating to law.

Eubena began painting in 1986 with her second husband Wimmitji Tjapangarti. Together, they developed a unique style of complex dotting in a warm palette of reds, oranges and yellows. Wimmitji ceased painting in 1993 however Eubena continued and went on to become one of the major practising artists of the Balgo Community. She would paint for Warlayirti Artists Company, and was their most well known and acclaimed artist. Sadly, Eubena passed away in 2013.

Traditionally Aboriginal people do not speak the name of people who have passed on and in more recent times have also not displayed photographs and films. Aboriginal people believe that if you speak the name of someone who has passed on, it may prevent them from moving on and they become lost. There are many important and significant grieving processes involved when someone passes on. Given the difficulty in promoting art, we have continued to call Eubena by her name but out of respect for Aboriginal beliefs, practices and culture, have removed her photograph.

Her artworks drew on all the knowledge and experiences of her life and the generations before her. Her country provided a limitless source of inspiration for her artworks. She was able to depict not only the physical appearance of her country but incorporated ceremony, hunting and law into her artworks. Central Art has wonderful examples of her works. Her Kurri Kurri painting depicts her traditional country. The circles within the artwork represent water soakage’s which are named from top to botton Kurri Kurri, Karjardoo, Yuwinina, Yeelawaa, and Widginjarra, and surrounding the water soakage’s are Tali or sand dunes.

Eubena is rated in the Top 40 Aboriginal artists by The Australian Indigenous Art Market and is a highly collectable artist. Sadly there will be no new artworks for her to be produced, so if you are looking for an investment piece and appreciate her colour schemes, design and Dreamings, then I would highly recommend the investment.

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