Tjawina Porter Nampitjinpa Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1950 -

Tjawina Porter Nampitjinpa was born at Yumara, north of Docker River in Western Australia around 1950, and is a half sister to Nyurapayia Nampitjinpa (Mrs Bennett) and full sister to Esther Giles Nampitjinpa. Tjawina Porter Nampitjinpa grew up ‘in the bush’, living a traditional lifestyle with her family. After her younger brother died, her family decided to move to the then newly established government settlement of Papunya.

Tjawina Porter Nampitjinpa is now widowed and has returned to live on her traditional lands with family members, including her sister and fellow artist Esther Giles Nampitjinpa.

Tjawina Porter Nampitjinpa paints her mother’s and father’s Dreamings – the sites of Yumari, Punkilpirri, Tjukurla and Tjalili. These sites are important for ceremonies as well as being prominent sources for water and important bush foods. Tjawina Porter Nampitjinpa’s style is to use layers of thickly applied dots, with a palette of predominantly white, creams, browns and pastels. Her works are rich in ethnographic iconography, portraying the Tjukurrpa stories passed down through her family line. Tjawina Porter Nampitjinpa has also established a reputation as a skilled maker of traditional basket weavings and carvings. Aboriginal art status – Established artist.