Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi

Biography

Born: 1967 Mount Allen, Central Desert
Area: Mbunghara Central Desert, Northern Territory

Gabriella Possum Nungarrayi is a very talented Aboriginal artist from the Central Desert and one of a rising group of younger painters who has achieved considerable recognition in her own right due to her technical innovation and daring. Informed by her traditional stories, she began painting at an early age alongside his father. Gabriella is the eldest daughter of the renowned painter Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, who continues to pass on his skills to his daughters. Whilst Clifford may teach the techniques of his own style, Gabriella is unique when it comes to painting the dreamings she has been given.

Gabriella’s artistic skill was first rewarded in 1983 when she gained an award in the prestigous Alice Springs Art Prize while still a student at Yirara College. Her work has been praised as being ‘innovative’ and ‘culturally significant’. Gabriella uses modern materials (acrylics on canvas) to create traditional designs. Her colours are inspired by the dramatic contrast in the coours of the Central Desert landscape.

Gabriella painting at Mia Mia with her sister Michelle

Gabriella’s dreamings include Women’s Ceremonies, Milky Way, Bush Tucker, Goanna and Serpent Dreaming which have been handed down through the generations of her ancestors.

Gabriella’s work has been exhibited in Washington DC (1992), London (1993), Berne Switzerland (1993) and has also featured in many group exhibitions in Australia and overseas. Collections include the National Gallery of Australia (Canberra), The Museum Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, The Flinders University Art Museum (Adelaide), The Holmes A Court Collection (Perth), The Kelton Foundation Collection, Winterther Collection (Switzerland) and many others.

Artwork featured at Mia Mia

Seven Sisters
Acrylic on Canvas 75 x 182 cm

Gabriella Possum Painting at Mia Mia Gallery 2010 acrylic on canvas 206X181 cm

Gabriella Possum Painting at Mia Mia Gallery with Colin McKinnon 2010 acrylic on canvas 206X181 cm

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