Take 5

Yulyurlu Lorna Fencer Napurrula

Yulyurlu Lorna Fencer Napurrula (c. 1924–2006) was a pioneering Warlpiri artist and a key figure in the Central Desert art movement. She began painting with acrylics in 1986 at the Lajamanu School art program before moving to Katherine, where she became the driving force behind Mimi Aboriginal Arts and Crafts. Until her passing, she remained one of the centre’s most dedicated and high-profile artists.

Deeply rooted in ancestral knowledge, Yulyurlu’s work centres on the Yam Jukurrpa, connected to her Country at Yumurrpa in the Tanami Desert. Passed down through Warlpiri ceremony and song, this story tells of two brothers—Yumurrpa (the elder, Big Yam) and Wapurtarli (the younger, Small Yam)—whose conflict led to widespread death and destruction. Emphasising the importance of sharing and responsible resource management, the narrative also reflects the profound connection between Warlpiri women and the land, underscoring their role as custodians of vital food sources. Yulyurlu returned to this story throughout her practice, layering cultural knowledge into her distinct visual language.

While many of her contemporaries adhered to structured iconography and dot painting techniques, Yulyurlu broke away from convention, embracing a more gestural and expressive style. Over time, her paintings became increasingly dynamic, using vivid palettes, rich textures, and energetic mark-making that drew comparisons to modernist abstraction. Despite this bold approach, her work remained deeply tied to Warlpiri traditions, reflecting her authority over ceremonial imagery and her commitment to preserving cultural knowledge through art.

Yulyurlu is often compared to Emily Kngwarreye, another groundbreaking First Nations artist known for her gestural reworking of desert painting. Though from different regions, both women were senior law holders whose strength of character was reflected in their radical departures from conventional desert art styles.

Despite achieving national recognition as a major force in contemporary Australian art, Yulyurlu’s pioneering role within the Warlpiri art tradition was not fully acknowledged during her lifetime. It was only after her passing, that her significance was formally recognised in a major survey, Yulyurlu – Lorna Fencer Napurrula. Touring nationally, this exhibition was presented at Flinders University City Gallery in 2012.

The FUMA collection holds five paintings by Yulyurlu, created late in her career between 2000 and 2001. Depicting foliage, flowers, and root structures in a stylised naturalism, these works reflect her role as custodian of the sacred country of Yumurrpa and the Yarla-Pama (Caterpillar), Ngarlajiyi (Pencil Yam), and Yarla (Bush Potato) Jukurrpa associated with this site. Characterised by energetic brushwork, bold colour, and layered compositions, these paintings set Yulyurlu apart from her peers, who largely adhered to traditional forms. Though her unconventional style was initially dismissed by fellow artists, it gained recognition beyond her community, establishing her as one of the region’s most sought-after artists. Defined by vibrant hues and intricate layering, her work exemplifies an innovative approach to storytelling and cultural expression.

Fiona Salmon

Director, Flinders University Museum of Art
College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University

March 2025
© Flinders University