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Gwenneth Blitner, Walmajarra, 60x45cm

Gwenneth Blitner, Walmajarra, 60x45cm

$499.00

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  • Artist - Gwenneth Blitner
  • Community - Ngukurr
  • Art Centre/Community organisation - Ngukurr Arts Aboriginal Corporation
  • Catalogue number - GB01/18
  • Materials - Acrylic on canvas 
  • Size(cm) - H45 W60 D2  
  • Postage variants - Artwork posted un-stretched and rolled for safe shipping
  • Orientation - As displayed

"All the flowers that grow around Walmajarra, the grass is around the billabong where them alligator are."

Beneath the bright colours and detailed markings of Gwenneth Blitner’s magical bush landscapes lies a deep connection to country often tinged with longing, fear and loss.

Gwenneth is one of a new generation of artists emerging from the strong painting tradition at Ngukurr Arts, located on the banks of the Roper River in South East Arnhem Land.

She uses vibrant colours and bold strokes to capture the local landscape, especially the hills, flowers, animals and billabongs surrounding the small community of Ngukurr.

Like Gertie Huddleston and Maureen Thompson, women painters from Ngukurr who came before her, Gwenneth’s paintings are rich, detailed tapestries of luminous acrylic paint on canvas.

‘I paint my country because it’s a magical place,’ she says. ‘It is full of life. You can get every type of bush food. You can go fishing and hunting, and you can collect fruit and seeds to eat.’

Before she starts painting Gwenneth closes her eyes, conjures a picture in her mind’s eye, then uses soft pinks, vivid greens and flashes of gold to depict how beautiful and alive her country is.

‘I want to show everyone how special this place is, how our people use the land to stay strong and healthy using bush medicine and eating bush food,’ she says.

But Gwenneth, who only started painting in 2012, isn’t just capturing beauty and abundance. There is often loss, sorrow and danger lurking in the shadows of her radiant works.

‘Painting my country connects me to the spirit of my old people, which is a good thing, but it also makes me think of what we have lost, and that makes me feel sad too,’ she says.

‘The bush can be a scary place too. There are always things hiding in the grass, like snakes, and sometimes buffalo chase us, so you have to watch out and keep your eyes open.’

One of her recent works, a brilliant riot of pretty purples, sunny yellows and hot pinks, is titled ‘Ngukurr Cemetery’ and depicts the local community graveyard.

‘The cemetery is full of bright plastic flowers. It’s one of the most colourful places in Ngukurr,’ Gwenneth says. ‘It’s very pretty, but it’s also one of the saddest places in our community.’

Born on the old Roper River Mission in 1958 and educated at the Bush School, Gwenneth learned to paint watching her brother’s Glen and Donald.

‘I worked in the local Council office for many years but I was always thinking I’d like to paint, and one day I just came down to the Art Centre and started doing it,’ she says.

‘Painting is important to my family because it’s about telling stories and I’m doing it now so my kids and grandkids can learn from me and so I can share my stories.’

Text: Courtesy Ngukurr Arts Aboriginal Corporation, words by Dion Teasdale

Ngukurr Arts Centre sits a stone’s throw from the banks of the Roper River in South East Arnhem Land. Ngukurr Arts, like the town of Ngukurr itself, is unique – bringing together people of many different clans and language groups.

There has never been one distinct school or style associated with Ngukurr Arts but what is typical of the work is boldness – the legacy of artists who have gone before, such as Ginger Riley, Gertie Huddlestone, Sambo Barra Barra and Maureen Thomson. Over time, Ngukurr artists have become renowned for their adventurous styles in interpreting stories and landscapes.

Today, artists are supported to explore new techniques. Each artist recontextualises the technique in relation to their own country and culture, to create works that are wholly unique.

In this place of many stones diversity is a strength. Many artists of different influences work alongside each other balancing the old and the new, passing on the stories that link us all.

Text: Courtesy Ngukurr Arts Aboriginal Corporation




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ART ARK Reviews
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01/03/2025
ALAN R.
Australia
A prompt and easy buy, thanks!
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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.
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Piece arrived safely and very quickly. The artwork was exactly as it was advertised on the website. Extremely pleased with the whole process.
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Tim W.
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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
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Lynda D.
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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
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Stephen H.
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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
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Jillian R.
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Wonderful & fast service.
Murdie Nampijinpa Morris, Malikijarra Jukurrpa, 122x61cm
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Anise B.
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We love this beautiful painting, thank you. A
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Daniel A.
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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.
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Bopaiah B.
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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
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Kim R.
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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
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Maleak B.
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Really positive , very quick and prompt delivery. No negative notes.
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Carmel C.
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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.
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Mala P.
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We purchased our first piece of aboriginal artwork through art ark. Absolutely love it. Great service
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Jo O.
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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
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Maude S.
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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
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Kathleen W.
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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.
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As described and pictured :) x
Sarah Napurrurla Leo, Ngapa Jukurrpa (Water Dreaming), 30x30cm
09/22/2024
Matt P.
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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.
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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
09/17/2024
Clementine B.
Australia
I was initially drawn to this piece because of the story. We get possums visit us daily at our place and often watch them scale the trees around our house. We feel like we live amongst their place. So the painting is an ode to them! The colours were even better IRL. Shipping was super speedy for a...I was initially drawn to this piece because of the story. We get possums visit us daily at our place and often watch them scale the trees around our house. We feel like we live amongst their place. So the painting is an ode to them! The colours were even better IRL. Shipping was super speedy for a last minute bday gift for my partner. Would buy again from artark 100%!
Judith Nungarrayi Martin, Janganpa Jukurrpa (Brush-tail Possum Dreaming) - Mawurrji, 30x30cm
09/17/2024
Gabriel N.
Australia
I purchased a beautiful woven basket for my wife’s 40th birthday. We both loved it and are very happy with the service. Looking forward to making more purchases in the future. Thanks
Batumbil, Bathi (woven basket)
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