Dulcie Nanala
Artwork title: Wilkinkarra
Medium: Acrylic on linen
Size: 122 x 102 cm
About the Artwork
Dulcie has created the Country around Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay). Through loose brushwork and fine dotting, Dulcie reveals the claypans, salt lakes and sandhills which dominate her Country. She also paints the abundance of pretty wildflowers and bushfoods found in the area. Here, Dulcie represents her family's traditional country, its heritage, and its life-giving gifts. Dulcie’s explorative painting techniques have refined through her experience’s reconnection with Country. In 2022 Warlayirti embarked on an epic Connection to Country camp to Wilkinkarra, four generations of Pintupi, Luritja and Kukatja families came together on Country to share and celebrate culture.
About the Artist
Dulcie is the daughter of leading Balgo artist Ningie Nanala and step-daughter for Tjumpo Tjapanangka (c.1929-2007). She began painting in 1997, and since this time has developed a diverse repertoire of image making. Like her famous parents, Dulcie often paints within the desert hues of yellow, orange and white but has more recently extended her palette to include vibrant colours. Primarily, her works relate to that of her parents’ country, recalling the vast tracks of land with its saltpans, claypans and plentiful mangarri (bushfoods). Steeped within the Balgo tradition, Dulcie creates beautiful contemporary stylized works that invite the viewer to experience her heritage and country.
Dulcie currently resides in Balgo with her extended family. She is a well-respected community member, a primary linguist for this area and continues to create her inspirational artworks. In 2019 Dulcie was the Warlayirti Artists chairperson, she currently still sits on the board of directors.
Photography: Mateo Mazzella