Lorna Brown Painting. Australian Aboriginal Art

Lorna Brown

Title: Country of Ancestors

Size: 59cm x 88cm

Lorna Brown Napanangka, a second-generation artist hailing from the heart of Australia, is renowned for her diverse artistic expressions that reflect her deep connection to the country of her ancestors. Born near Haasts Bluff around 1965, Lorna’s life journey has been intertwined with the landscapes of Mt. Liebig, Haasts Bluff, and Papunya. In her early years, Lorna’s family moved to Papunya when she was just a few months old, immersing her in the vibrant artistic environment of the region. This familial connection to art was further rooted in her father’s legacy; her father, Timmy Payungka Tjapangati, was a painter belonging to the pioneering generation of the Papunya Tula Artists collective. This artistic heritage provided the foundation for Lorna’s own creative journey. Lorna’s artistic endeavours began in 1996 when she first picked up a paintbrush. Within a short span of three years, her talent caught the attention of art enthusiasts and critics alike. Her involvement in the collaborative artwork “Kiwirrkurra Womenâs Painting” for the Western Desert Dialysis Appeal in 1999 marked a turning point in her career, catapulting her into the limelight. Through her artworks, Lorna adeptly captures the essence of her country. Her canvases come alive with depictions of the sand lines sculpted by the wind, the ochre outcrops that punctuate the terrain, and the interplay of intense sunlight against the lush desert oaks. Her pieces often portray the significance of rocks and waterholes as sites where women gather for ceremonial practices and sustenance, preserving the cultural heritage of her people. Lorna’s artistic journey has been punctuated by significant exhibitions, including solo showcases in 2002 and 2004. Notably, her work was showcased in the prestigious 2002 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, solidifying her position as a respected artist within the Indigenous art community.