Life is better with art
Daphne Napurrula Marks, Yalka at Karrkurutinytja (Bush onion Dreaming at Lake Macdonald), 30x30cm

Daphne Napurrula Marks, Yalka at Karrkurutinytja (Bush onion Dreaming at Lake Macdonald), 30x30cm

USD $114.00 1530+ Reviews

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

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  • Aboriginal Artist - Daphne Napurrula Marks
  • Community - Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff)
  • Aboriginal Art Centre - Ikuntji Artists
  • Catalogue number - 20-DM93
  • Materials - Acrylic on pre-stretched canvas
  • Size(cm) - H30 W30 D3.5
  • Postage variants - Artwork posted stretched and ready to hang
  • Orientation - Painted from all sides and OK to hang as wished

Daphne was passed down the right to paint the Yalka Tjukurrpa at Karrkurutinytja (Bush onion dreaming at Lake Macdonald) from her grandmother, Narputta Nangala Jugadai. Narputta, who was a founding member of Ikuntji art centre and a prolific painter, was born close to this site.

Daphne says,

“My grandmother, Narpu a used to make that painting. She told me that story. I used to work here (Ikuntji Women’s Centre) as a cook. I came to learn here. I saw my grandma painting. I learnt from her. She told me that story…Yalka…Bush food…For a long me those old ladies have been looking for Yalka, digging for Yalka, taking the fruit, cooking it in the fire. We cook them just a little bit, like Maku (witchetty grub). I have been looking for that Yalka with my grandmother.”

Yalka Tjukurrpa, as told by Narputta,

“Creek bed at Karrkurutinytja. Two old women, two Nungurrayi, came across from Pulpa and started Gathering bush onions, putting them into coolamons. They went on a journey west. They approached a group of men and watched them, whilst hiding in the bush at Pimarrpa (Soakage near Kiwirrkura). There was another lady, Alkiljarra Nakamarra, who came along on their tracks. She saw them where they had gathered bush onions. She became upset that they’d gathered them all up and there were none left. The Nakamarra started walking and came across the creek, where she started collecting mungilpa (a staple seed food for the Pintupi people). She came across two Tjangalas (Mungilnga and Tiwilgna). Next to them was a rockhole and Atjakalya Nakamarra, who was making damper for them. Mungilnga had the smaller damper. The two Tjangalas ate their damper then she flew off and became a rock there at Kurultu.”

Daphne was born in 1979 at Alice Springs hospital. She has been painting for several years now and is one of the youngest artists to work at Ikuntji Art Centre. When she was a young girl her Mother and Father passed away. She was raised by her
grandmother, Narputta Nangala Jugadai, Ikuntji's most senior and internationally recognised painter. On the weekends Daphne enjoys hunting and cooking Goanna's, shopping and looking after her 2 sons, Stanley and Christopher. Her family is very
important to her and she spends a lot of time looking after the welfare of her extended family. She is a keen member of the Haasts Bluff softball team. Daphne has an eye for detail and paints meticulous translations of the Haasts Bluff landscape, including flora and fauna. Her work becomes particularly vibrant after the rains when the newly emerged wild flowers dominate her paintings.

A lot of stories are still being recounted of long journeys of people from various language groups, who travelled from rockholes and waterholes to caves and mountains finally arriving at Haasts Bluff. The locals, Luritja people of Haasts Bluff, were already here. Thus Haasts Bluff is a community rich of diversity in language and culture.

Ikuntji Artists was first established in 1992, after a series of workshops with Melbourne artist Marina Strocchi, and under the influence of the then community president, the late Esther Jugadai. The art centre was initially set up to fulfil the role of women’s centre providing services such as catering for old people and children in the community. After first experiences made in printing T-shirts, the artists began producing acrylic paintings on linen and handmade paper, which quickly gained the attention of the Australian and international art world as well as earning the centre an impressive reputation for fine art. The focus changed from a women’s centre to an art centre in 2005 with the incorporation of the art centre as Ikuntji Artists Aboriginal Corporation.

The artists draw their inspiration from their personal ngurra (country) and Tjukurrpa (Dreaming). They interpret the ancestral stories by using traditional symbols, icons and motifs. The artistic repertoire of Ikuntji Artists is diverse and includes for example: naive as well as highly abstract paintings told by each artist in their personal signature style. Throughout the 21 years of its existence the art movement in Ikuntji has flourished and constantly left its mark in the fine art world. At the same time the art centre has been the cultural hub of the community, maintaining, reinforcing and reinvigorating cultural practices through art-making.

Today Ikuntji Artists has eight key artists, who exhibit in Australia and internationally. They are represented in major collections across the globe.

Text: Melanie Greiner, Alison Multa and Dr Chrischona Schmidt 




Unique and Original Aboriginal Art in the United States

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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.


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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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01/15/2025
PANOS T.
Greece
very professional the artwork was as expected. Thank you Guy and Tamika Nangala Cook
Tamika Nangala Cook, Ngurlu Jukurrpa (Native Seed Dreaming), 40x40cm
01/13/2025
Nina H.
Australia
Buying art online can sometimes be daunting but my experience at the Art Ark was first class. Extraordinarily helpful, extremely descriptive and left me feeling confident in the process. When my art arrived it was so well packed to keep it safe and to say I was delighted was an understatement....Buying art online can sometimes be daunting but my experience at the Art Ark was first class. Extraordinarily helpful, extremely descriptive and left me feeling confident in the process. When my art arrived it was so well packed to keep it safe and to say I was delighted was an understatement. Thank you so much
Tina Napangardi Martin, Jintiparnta Jukurrpa (Desert Truffle Dreaming) - Mina Mina, 183x152cm
01/13/2025
Kathleen W.
France
As with previous purchases, these ArtArk paintings arrived in very good time, in excellent condition, and Guy was a great help with typical customs/VAT officials in France. The paintings are beautiful, the colours more vibrant than they appear on my computer screen. Can't wait to stretch them onto...As with previous purchases, these ArtArk paintings arrived in very good time, in excellent condition, and Guy was a great help with typical customs/VAT officials in France. The paintings are beautiful, the colours more vibrant than they appear on my computer screen. Can't wait to stretch them onto frames myself - and thanks to Guy, I have the confidence to do that - and geet them on the walls.
Debbie Napaljarri Brown, Wanakiji Jukurrpa (Bush Tomato Dreaming), 122x61cm
01/12/2025
Jacquelyn M.
Australia
I’ve purchased some paintings for myself, Guy is always helpful and I love my artwork so much that I decided to buy a gift voucher as a wedding present for my niece.
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01/12/2025
Josephine H.
Australia
Thank you so much for the wonderful packaging of the magnificent painting by Mervyn Rubuntja. Everything about it is superb. The paperwork is also fantastic. Suffice to say I knew and worked with Wenton Rubuntja when I moved to central Australia in the mid 1980s. The houses of all my friends and...Thank you so much for the wonderful packaging of the magnificent painting by Mervyn Rubuntja. Everything about it is superb. The paperwork is also fantastic. Suffice to say I knew and worked with Wenton Rubuntja when I moved to central Australia in the mid 1980s. The houses of all my friends and family as well as our own house here in Adelaide are full of Wenten pieces both watercolour and dot paintings, on board and canvas and anything else he could find! He was an incredible man and it was wonderful to read the notes. I worked in the establishment of old people’s services and had a lot to do with Wenten and the elders in his family. As you can imagine my memories of Mervyn are of a very young boy. What I do know is that he is just utterly brilliant, his talent is outstanding and everything he does just leaps right off the paper. I had never looked at Art Ark before and was scrolling through really admiring the quality of the works and whamo there was the Mervyn and my father who has two Mervyn postcard size works I bought him, is about to turn 100, and I acted FAST! – but not as fast as my father acted when he opened the package in Sydney. He absolutely loves it and I wasn’t going to make him wait one day to look at it and enjoy it. He is very discerning and an art fanatic to put it mildly. So it’s at the framers my father rushed his almost one hundred feet out the door and had already decided where it would go on his walls. So thank you for the wonderful quality and the superb packaging (only one small pressure mark on the cardboard outside but nothing deep or problematic about it) and for giving my Dad so much joy. We miss Central Australia, we were at Wenten’s funeral and the pull of central Australia is always present. We have a lovely Mervyn painting which we have yet to frame (I did not inherit my father’s capacity for speed) and we treasure it. Thanks so much. Excellent professional and wonderful. Cheers Jo
Mervyn Rubuntja, Rutjipma (Mt Sonder), 54x35cm
01/11/2025
Isobel M.
Australia
We had the pleasure of visiting Guy’s gallery in Launceston and were blown away by the stunning collection of artwork. The gallery is a real hidden gem. We purchased a gorgeous piece by the talented Audrey that we absolutely love. The entire experience was excellent—highly recommend making an...We had the pleasure of visiting Guy’s gallery in Launceston and were blown away by the stunning collection of artwork. The gallery is a real hidden gem. We purchased a gorgeous piece by the talented Audrey that we absolutely love. The entire experience was excellent—highly recommend making an appointment if you’re in Tasmania. Thank you, Guy! Izzy & Sam
Audrey Brumby, Ngura Tjuta Munu Tjukula Tjuta, 220x142cm
01/09/2025
Sara C.
Australia
Fast and friendly. Love the detail of narrative provided with the art piece. Thanks so much for my artwork!
Christine Nakamarra Curtis, Mina Mina Jukurrpa, 107x61cm
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
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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 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
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Australia
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Simone Nampijinpa Brown, Ngapa Jukurrpa (Water Dreaming) - Puyurru, 30x30cm
12/24/2024
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Australia
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Yawuku #2 Garmu, Bathi (woven basket)
12/21/2024
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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
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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
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Spain
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Renae Nelson, Mamungari, 107x46cm
12/09/2024
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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
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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
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Australia
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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
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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
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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
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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
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