Life is better with art
Christine Nakamarra Curtis, Mina Mina Jukurrpa, 182x107cm

Christine Nakamarra Curtis, Mina Mina Jukurrpa, 182x107cm

USD $2,155.00

Original Work of Art (1/1) — they all are!

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  • Aboriginal Artist - Christine Nakamarra Curtis
  • Community - Nyirripi  
  • Aboriginal Art Centre - Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation  
  • Catalogue number - 790/19ny
  • Materials - Acrylic on linen
  • Size(cm) - H107 W182 D2 
  • Postage variants - Artwork posted un-stretched and rolled for safe shipping
  • Orientation - Painted from all sides and OK to hang as wished

This ‘Jukurrpa’ (Dreaming) comes from Mina Mina, a very important women’s Dreaming site far to the west of Yuendumu near Lake Mackay and the WA border. The ‘kirda’ (owners) of this Dreaming are Napangardi/Napanangka women and Japangardi/Japanangka men; the area is sacred to Napangardi and Napanangka women. There are a number of ‘mulju’ (water soakages) and a ‘maluri’ (clay pan) at Mina Mina.

In the Dreamtime, ancestral women danced at Mina Mina and ‘karlangu’ (digging sticks) rose up out of the ground. The women collected the digging sticks and then travelled on to the east, dancing, digging for bush tucker, collecting ‘ngalyipi’ (snake vine [Tinospora smilacina]), and creating many places as they went. ‘Ngalyipi’ is a rope-like creeper that grows up the trunks and limbs of trees, including ‘kurrkara’ (desert oak [Allocasuarina decaisneana]). It is used as a ceremonial wrap and as a strap to carry ‘parraja’ (coolamons) and ‘ngami’ (water carriers). ‘Ngalyipi’ is also used to tie around the forehead to cure headaches, and to bind cuts.

The women stopped at Karntakurlangu, Janyinki, Parapurnta, Kimayi, and Munyuparntiparnti, sites spanning from the west to the east of Yuendumu. When they stopped, the women dug for bush foods like ‘jintiparnta’ (desert truffle [Elderia arenivaga]). The Dreaming track eventually took them far beyond Warlpiri country. The track passed through Coniston in Anmatyerre country to the east, and then went on to Alcoota and Aileron far to the northeast of Yuendumu and eventually on into Queensland.

In Warlpiri paintings, traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa and other elements. In many paintings of this Jukurrpa, sinuous lines are used to represent the ‘ngalyipi’ (snake vine). Concentric circles are often used to represent the ‘jintiparnta’ (desert truffles) that the women have collected, while straight lines can be used to depict the ‘karlangu’ (digging sticks).

Christine Nakamarra Curtis was born in Alice Spring Hospital, the closest hospital to Yuendumu, a remote Aboriginal community 290 km north-west of Alice Springs. She was born into a family of artists, which include Kelly Napanangka Michaels, her mother, Roy Jupurrurla Curtis, her father and Alice Nampijinpa Henwood Michaels, her Aunty. She is the eldest of 7 sisters and spent most of her childhood at Nyirripi, a remote Aboriginal community located 150 km north-west of Yuendumu. She attended her local school, then Yirara College, an Aboriginal boarding college in Alice Springs. Christine continued her studies at Kormilda College, an Aboriginal boarding college in Darwin. When she finished schooling she returned to Nyirripi where she worked in the store. “I love the place. I grew up here – learning from the old people.” Christine began painting with Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation, an Aboriginal owned and governed art centre located in Yuendumu, in 2007. Warlukurlangu Artists provides an outlet for Warlpiri artists to paint their cultural heritage and earn income from their work. This service is extended to Nyirripi artists, on a weekly basis, by delivering canvas and paint to artists and picking up finished artwork. Christine paints her grandparent’s dreaming on her mother’s side, Dreamings which relate directly to her land, its features and the plants and animals that inhabit it. These stories have been passed down for millennia. “I like the patterns and all those colours, and the stories. Watching family painting, they show you the dreaming.” Christine uses an unrestricted palette to develop a modern interpretation of her traditional culture. Christine has two sons, Navarone and Mahela, who attend the local school in Nyirripi. When Christine is not painting she likes to take them hunting for bush tucker and goanna.




Unique and Original Aboriginal Art in the United States

Life is better with art, and this beautiful, original piece will be a conversation starter for years to come. Delivered to the USA in around a week, your new artwork will arrive exactly as you see it online—lovingly packed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the community-based, not-for-profit art centre. With colour-accurate images and seamless service, we guarantee that your artwork will arrive promptly and as expected. Enjoy fast, free delivery and 120-day returns, and rest easy knowing you've made an ethical purchase.

*For international orders under $500 AUD, a $30 AUD postage fee applies; otherwise, shipping is free


United States Deliveries and Customs

Fortunately, unlike in most parts of the world, original artworks delivered to the USA are exempt from import duties. This means no additional fees and no lengthy customs delays.

 

Authenticity Documents

While certificates of authenticity are common, only those from community-based Aboriginal art centres provide assurance of ethical sourcing and documentation. Certificates issued by non-community galleries do not reflect ethical practices, so it's essential to check the origin.


At ART ARK®, every artwork includes a certificate of authenticity issued by the community-run art centre where it was created. Learn more about Aboriginal Art Authenticity.


Framing Aboriginal Art

We deliver artworks exactly as they arrive from the art centres, ensuring transparent pricing with no additional costs. Prices are based on what each centre sets, and we include free postage.


Our canvas and linen paintings are sent rolled for easy re-stretching at your local framer. Bark paintings and smaller works in our Stretched Desert Paintings collection arrive ready to hang. Watercolours should be framed behind glass, whether in a custom or pre-made frame. Learn more about Framing Aboriginal Art.


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01/07/2025
Michael B.
Australia
Our art arrived home before we did and we are really happy with these beautiful First Nations art works. Our experince buying them was great and they were so well packaged. We also appreciate the information on the artists and their stories. I will recommend Art Ark to our friends. Kind...Our art arrived home before we did and we are really happy with these beautiful First Nations art works. Our experince buying them was great and they were so well packaged. We also appreciate the information on the artists and their stories. I will recommend Art Ark to our friends. Kind regards, Janelle
Naomi Kantjuri - Tjanpi Basket
01/07/2025
Michael B.
Australia
Our art arrived home before we did and we are really happy with these beautiful First Nations art works. Our experience buying them was great and they were so well packaged. We also appreciate the information on the artists and their stories. I will recommend Art Ark to our friends. Kind...Our art arrived home before we did and we are really happy with these beautiful First Nations art works. Our experience buying them was great and they were so well packaged. We also appreciate the information on the artists and their stories. I will recommend Art Ark to our friends. Kind regards, Janelle
Tanya Nungarrayi Collins, Watiya-warnu Jukurrpa (Seed Dreaming), 61x30cm
01/03/2025
ALAN R.
Australia
A prompt and easy buy, thanks!
Simone Nampijinpa Brown, Ngapa Jukurrpa (Water Dreaming) - Puyurru, 30x30cm
12/24/2024
David S.
Australia
Great service. Prompt and well packed delivery. Thank you
Yawuku #2 Garmu, Bathi (woven basket)
12/21/2024
Lynne S.
Australia
Fantastic service. Guy is very knowledgeable and accommodating. I have now bought several paintings from Art Ark and can highly recommend this gallery
Lena Young, Ngayuku Ngura, 49x46cm
12/10/2024
Penny G.
Australia
Thank-you to Art Ark and to other reviewers for sharing their wonderful experiences. As promised the painting we ordered arrived the next day. I was keen to get it straight away so I can get it stretched before our local art shop closed for Christmas. Art Ark is certainly reliable in their delivery...Thank-you to Art Ark and to other reviewers for sharing their wonderful experiences. As promised the painting we ordered arrived the next day. I was keen to get it straight away so I can get it stretched before our local art shop closed for Christmas. Art Ark is certainly reliable in their delivery times. As other reviews have said, and I couldn't agree more, the paintings are brighter and so evocative in person. This painting is bought as a gift for my son's 18th birthday. Yes, it's not a traditional 18th birthday gift but it makes sense for him for many reasons. I'm honoured to share the beauty and the stories of Australian indigenous artists with our son to mark his journey to adulthood in Australia. Thank-you.
Inawantji Jennifer Forbes, Minyma Kutjara, 91x61cm
12/10/2024
Briony L.
Australia
This piece by Doreen Chapman is as beautiful in person as it was when I saw it online. The subtle details like how it is painted on a black background and the lie bits of teal, really make the painting pop! The customer service from Guy has been exceptional. It’s always a pleasure to shop with Art...This piece by Doreen Chapman is as beautiful in person as it was when I saw it online. The subtle details like how it is painted on a black background and the lie bits of teal, really make the painting pop! The customer service from Guy has been exceptional. It’s always a pleasure to shop with Art Ark.
Doreen Chapman, Untitled, 76x46cm
12/10/2024
Jean P.
Spain
Organisation très sérieuse. Toile emballée avec beaucoup de précautions et parfaitement protégée. Envoie international rapide dès la commande. Organisation garantie. Jean Pierre POLI
Renae Nelson, Mamungari, 107x46cm
12/09/2024
Michelle D.
Australia
I recently purchased an Indigenous artwork, and it’s absolutely stunning. The colors and storytelling within the piece are captivating, and it adds such warmth and character to my space. A meaningful and beautifully crafted addition to my home—I couldn’t be happier with this purchase and experience...I recently purchased an Indigenous artwork, and it’s absolutely stunning. The colors and storytelling within the piece are captivating, and it adds such warmth and character to my space. A meaningful and beautifully crafted addition to my home—I couldn’t be happier with this purchase and experience with Art Ark.
Leanne Nungarrayi Jurrah, Yankirri Jukurrpa (Emu Dreaming) - Ngarlikurlangu, 46x46cm
12/04/2024
Don M.
Australia
Thanks for my recent purchase which arrived on time and in good order. I have purchased several pieces of indigenous art from numerous galleries over the years but I have to say that the process with ART ARK has impressed me greatly. It's obvious that you run a well managed ethical and extremely...Thanks for my recent purchase which arrived on time and in good order. I have purchased several pieces of indigenous art from numerous galleries over the years but I have to say that the process with ART ARK has impressed me greatly. It's obvious that you run a well managed ethical and extremely efficient business and for that you deserve the utmost credit. I look forward to making further purchases in the future and enjoying your knowledgeable and informative emails. Regards, Don
Kaylisha Napaljarri Ross, Ngatijirri Jukurrpa (Budgerigar Dreaming), 50x40cm
12/04/2024
Helen W.
Australia
I have been purchasing magical pieces from Art Ark over the last couple of years. It is important to me that the artist is well represented and I love that Art Ark collaborates with community and not for profit centres. I have learnt so much about indigenous art and the artists of the works I have...I have been purchasing magical pieces from Art Ark over the last couple of years. It is important to me that the artist is well represented and I love that Art Ark collaborates with community and not for profit centres. I have learnt so much about indigenous art and the artists of the works I have bought. I've been able to share this knowledge with family and friends. Delivery is very reliable and fast. And Guy is a delight! Thank you for your great service! Helen Whelan
Melissa Henry, Liru, 61x46cm
12/03/2024
Chloe S.
Australia
smooth process from Quoting to ordering and delivering the items on time
Pandanus Woven Mat (75-85cm centres)
12/01/2024
Lisa P.
Australia
Piece arrived safely and very quickly. The artwork was exactly as it was advertised on the website. Extremely pleased with the whole process.
Djul’djul Gurruwiwi Susan Wunuŋmurra, Witij - Rainbow Serpent, 96x48cm Bark
11/28/2024
Tim W.
Australia
I was impressed by Art Ark’s ethical commitment to deliver economic benefits back to Indigenous artists. That my painting was delivered within 3 days after bracing myself for a three week wait, blew my mind. And the art itself? Stunning
Jennifer Mintaya Connelly Ward, Kungkarangkalpa (Seven Sisters Story), 102x76cm
11/28/2024
Lynda D.
Australia
we recently purchased a lovely artwork from Art Ark. it was safely delivered over night! colours were true to website. thankyou!
Ivy Pareroultja, Going towards Ormiston Gorge, 36x25.5cm
11/22/2024
Stephen H.
United Kingdom
Great choice of work on the website and when it arrived looked even more amazing in real life. Easy to use website and seamless delivery to the UK arriving in perfect condition. Many thanks
Elsie Taylor, Walka, 91x76cm
11/14/2024
Jillian R.
Australia
Wonderful & fast service.
Murdie Nampijinpa Morris, Malikijarra Jukurrpa, 122x61cm
11/12/2024
Anise B.
Australia
We love this beautiful painting, thank you. A
Juliette Nakamarra Morris, Wanakiji Jukurrpa (Bush Tomato Dreaming), 30x30cm
11/06/2024
Daniel A.
Australia
We purchased 2 new peices through Guy and couldn’t be happier! His service and support through the whole process was brilliant. It’s such a great initiative what Guy is doing to support Aboriginal Art and we’ll continue to purchase with him in the future.
Helen Nungarrayi Reed, Lupul Jukurrpa, 182x91cm
10/29/2024
Bopaiah B.
Australia
The Ngalyipi Jukurrpa (Snake Vine Dreaming) painting is excellent and am very happy with the purchase. I will look at Art Ark for any further unique and individual aboriginal art or craft work.
Ingrid Napangardi Williams, Ngalyipi Jukurrpa (Snake Vine Dreaming) - Purturlu, 30x30cm
10/26/2024
Kim R.
Australia
Easy purchasing experience. All went very smoothly. Very happy with our purchase. Wilma produces the most impactful images of birds and animals. Full of character.
Wilma Napangardi Poulson, Birds that live around Yuendumu, 61x46cm
10/21/2024
Maleak B.
Australia
Really positive , very quick and prompt delivery. No negative notes.
Renae Nelson, Mamungari, 94x67cm
10/18/2024
Carmel C.
Australia
Absolutely thrilled with my beautiful woven sculpture. It arrived quickly and was carefully and thoughtfully packaged by the wonderful people at Art Ark. Highly recommend.
Nellie Coulthard - Tangki (donkey) Sculpture
10/16/2024
Mala P.
Australia
We purchased our first piece of aboriginal artwork through art ark. Absolutely love it. Great service
Judith Nungarrayi Martin, Janganpa Jukurrpa (Brush-tail Possum Dreaming) - Mawurrji, 122x61cm
10/15/2024
Jo O.
United States
Beautiful art and incredibly well packaged for shipment to USA. Arrived within days, excellent communication and service. Highly recommend ArtArk - great name BTW!
Jennifer Forbes, Minyma Kutjara, 61x61cm
10/10/2024
Maude S.
Ireland
We received our painting safe and sound and took it to a local framer to get mounted. We just hung it over the weekend in the kitchen and it has transformed the room. My partner comments on it daily. We are delighted.
Joanne Ken, Ngayuku Ngura, 100x82cm
10/08/2024
Kathleen W.
France
I have now bought 3 paintings from Art Ark: two smaller stretched ones and an unstretched Karen Napaljarri Barnes "Budgerigar Dreaming". I am delighted by the paintings which are beautiful and as many others have said, utterly true in colour to what you see on a high quality computer screen - they...I have now bought 3 paintings from Art Ark: two smaller stretched ones and an unstretched Karen Napaljarri Barnes "Budgerigar Dreaming". I am delighted by the paintings which are beautiful and as many others have said, utterly true in colour to what you see on a high quality computer screen - they are rich and dense and bright. No nasty surprises or even slight disappointments at all. And then, Guy at Art Ark cannot be faulted in his customer service: he is quick to respond, very helpful and friendly and genuinely interested in the life of the paintings after they've been sold. Thanks, Guy, for your help and enthusiasm. It is a pleasure to be able to buy such paintings in the belief that everyone invovled in the process is being respected. I have no hesitation at all in recommending Art Ark to anyone thinking of buying some beautiful Aboriginal art.
Karen Napaljarri Barnes, Ngatijirri Jukurrpa (Budgerigar Dreaming), 107x61cm
09/30/2024
PETA-JANE O.
Australia
As described and pictured :) x
Sarah Napurrurla Leo, Ngapa Jukurrpa (Water Dreaming), 30x30cm
09/22/2024
Matt P.
Australia
Unbelievable experience. A piece of art work from an amazing artist is stunning. We are so honoured to have this hanging in our home. Thank you. Then whole process is professional and quick. Highly recommend and will be buying again shortly.
Yvonne Nangala Gallagher, Yankirri Jukurrpa (Emu Dreaming) - Ngarlikurlangu, 30x30cm
09/17/2024
Louise D.
Australia
The painting was as pictured and I like it. It arrived incredibly quickly. There was a smudge I hadn’t seen, which is part of the painting process, but being a watercolour it’s obvious. When I zoomed in later I could see it on the website, but I think there should have been a close up photo to...The painting was as pictured and I like it. It arrived incredibly quickly. There was a smudge I hadn’t seen, which is part of the painting process, but being a watercolour it’s obvious. When I zoomed in later I could see it on the website, but I think there should have been a close up photo to highlight it. I decided to keep it as it is an interesting painting. It would also be good to have a description from the artist about their painting.
Shirley Namatjira, Mining on Country, 21x29.5cm
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