Doreen Dickson

Doreen Dixon Nakamarra is a Walpiri woman from a famous painting family. Her homeland is the remote community of Willowra (Wirliyajarrayi), 250 km north-west of Alice Springs and 200 km from Yuendumu in the Northern Territory. She is the sister of internationally known artist Janet Long Nakamarra and Mary Nabarula. Since the beginning of the Australian Aboriginal Art Movement in Central and Western Desert regions, the Nakamarra women have contributed greatly to the popularity of art from these areas. Aboriginal Art, being proudly country based, reflects the Dreamings, Culture, Traditions of the tribes in their particular part of the country. The Walpiri style of painting is distinctive, often rich and colourful and sometimes subtle and delicate, but inevitably precise and focuses on the all important food gathering in this harsh environment, together with the very necessary water sources and soakages (rockholes). Their paintings also convey stories of travels of the early tribes and establishment of communities, as well as all aspects of the land, fire, lightning, animal tracks and the broad horizon and sky under which they live. Doreen’s works include Bush Medicine, Damper Seed, Women’s Ceremonies and Bush Tucker Gathering. Doreen is a Third Generation artist and all her stories have been passed down to her from elders. She undoubtedly possesses the talent to transpose her culture to canvas.