Who is Michelle Bulter Nakamarra?

Michelle Butler Nakamarra was born in Alice Springs in 1992 and has lived in Tjukurla and Mimili on the APY Lands. Her two grandfathers were significant artists, Dr George Tjapaltjarri and Tommy Lowry (Larry) Tjapaltjarri, both members of the original group of Papunya artists.

Region

APY Lands

What are Michelle Bulter Nakamarra’s family connections?

Michelle was grown up and adopted by Michael Butler and Amy Yupangarri, which is how she came to be part of the Butler family. She has strong family connections with the APY Lands, and also spent time in Patjarr in Western Australia with Manupa Butler, whom she calls her grandmother. Michelle is closely related to the Ward family, including George Ward Tjungurrayi, Nangawarra Ward, Gracie Ward and Janie Ward Napaltjarri. Michelle has spent time with her Ward family connections in Kintore and Kiwirrkura communities, which are further north on Pintupi country.

Art Themes – Michelle Bulter Nakamarra

Michelle Butler’s Dreamings have been passed down to her from both her grandfather and grandmother’s sides. She often paints the Seven Sisters Tjukurrpa, as well as Minyma Inmaku (Women’s Ceremonies) and Bush Tucker and Water Dreaming stories from her Grandmother’s country around Mimili, Tjukurla and Patjarr in Western Australia, close to the South Australia border.

Aboriginal Art Status

Rising Star

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George Ward Tjungurrayi Paintings
Gracie Ward Napaltjarri Paintings

Our Mother’s Dreaming – Katherine Marshall Nakamarra & Debra Young Nakamarra