Bessie Nakamarra Sims, Ngarlajiyi Jukurrpa (Bush Carrot Dreaming), 30.5x30.5cm
Original Work of Art (they all are!)
Certified by Community Art Centre
Fast & Free Delivery
120 Day Returns
Authenticity Guarantee
Colour Correct Images
1510+ Reviews
- Details
- Artwork
- Artist
- Returns + Shipping
- Artist - Bessie Nakamarra Sims
- Community - Yuendumu
- Art Centre/Community organisation - Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation
- Catalogue number - 237-11
- Materials - Acrylic on pre-stretched canvas
- Size(cm) - H30.5 W30.5 D3.5
- Postage variants - Artwork is posted un-stretched and rolled for safe shipping.
Ngarlajiyi is a tiny plant found growing on the side of creeks and in sandy soils and commonly called a bush carrot or small yam. It has a small edible tuber resembling a carrot. Its botanical name is Vigna lanceolata. The country associated with this Dreaming is Waputarli or Mount Singleton, to the west of Yuendumu. The design of this painting simbolizes the cycle of growth of ‘ngarlajiyi’, telling how after the rain the plant grows quickly and extensively, spreading out over the country. This design is taken from women's ceremonial body painting. Napurrurla/Nakamarra women and Jupurrurla/Jakamarra men are the custodians of this Dreaming and the country associated with it. In Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa, particular sites and other elements. Concentric circles are often used to represent the plants with ‘ngarlajiyi’ fruit, while large concentric circles often represent Yilkirdi, a rockhole in the Waputarli area belonging to the same Dreaming. These large concentric circles can also depict the base of the ‘ngarlajiyi’ plant with its superficial roots extending in the direction of the Dreaming, represented by radiating lines. Clusters depicted in the extreme of these radiating lines usually are portraying the bush carrot ‘jinjila’ (flowers).
" I like painting cause it's my Dreaming - Bush Carrot, Yam Dreaming…From my father and grandfather's side. I like to teach kids my Dreaming. I want everyone to know my Dreaming from all over the world. I know and they can know…" Bessie Nakamarra Sims was born in the bush in the 1930s and lived for many years before coming into contact with white people at Mt. Doreen Station, west of Yuendumu. She lived in Yuendumu, a remote Aboriginal community located 290 kms north-west of Alice Springs in the NT of Australia, where she died in 2012. Bessie was the wife of Paddy Japaljarri Sims (dec), a renowned artist both nationally and internationally who painted with Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation for a long time, an Aboriginal owned and governed art centre located in Yuendumu. Bessie did not live in her famous husband’s shadow, for her own work has long been widely admired and collected. Bessie has seven children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bessie was one of the most valued members of the Warlukurlangu Artists Community. She painted consistently with Warlukurlangu Artists since the centre was first established in 1985 and has exhibited both nationally and internationally in Group Exhibitions since 1986.She painted her Jukurrpa stories, Dreamings which relate directly to her land, its features and the plants and animals that inhabit it. Besides painting Bessie was an active member of Yuendumu Night patrol which helps keep Yuendumu a safe community. In her spare time she used to loved hunting for wardapi (goanna) and bush tucker such as yarla (bush potato) and yakajirri (bush tomato).
She passed away in Yuendumu May 2012 surrounded by her extended family. Some of her last words were: "Japaljarri"(her husband) is calling me, he is waiting for me"
We realise that it's not always easy buying artworks sight unseen but we are so confident that you're going to absolutely love them when they turn up that if for any reason you change your mind or you're not feeling the feng shui you can return them within 14 days for a full refund.
We happily provide free registered post on all of our paintings within Australia and $30 for international postage. A $15 premium is applicable for the safe packing and registered postage of our 3-D items.
Original Aboriginal Art You’ll Love to Own
Your artwork will arrive promptly, just as shown online—colour-accurate, carefully packed, and with an authenticity certificate from a community-based art centre. Plus, enjoy free delivery and 120-day returns for a seamless, ethical purchase.
Worldwide Delivery
Shipping from Launceston, Tasmania (Lutruwita), to your doorstep, wherever you are. For international orders under $500 AUD, a $30 AUD postage fee applies; otherwise, shipping is free.
Authenticity You Can Trust
Only certificates from community-based Aboriginal art centres guarantee ethical sourcing. Every ART ARK® piece includes this authentic documentation. Learn more about Aboriginal Art Authenticity.
Framing Aboriginal Art
To keep pricing transparent, we deliver artworks as they come to us—unframed and priced in accordance with each art centre. Canvas and linen pieces are rolled for easy re-stretching at your local framer. Bark paintings and smaller items from our Stretched Desert Paintings collection arrive ready to hang. Watercolours should be framed behind glass, either custom or pre-made. Learn more about Framing Aboriginal Art.
Customer Praise
Our customers love our fast deliveries, the accuracy of our images, and our ethical business model. See our Customer Reviews to learn more.