BORN: 1976
REGION: KINTORE, WESTERN DESERT
LANGUAGE GROUP: PINTUPI
Nellie has learned the Dreaming of her family ever since she was a child. Nellie is custodian of Dreaming stories from her fathers and grandfathers country, which is East of Kintore in the Northern Territory.
Over a period of time she gradually developed her painting skills, being taught by old Mick Namarri and her father the great master Turkey Tolson Tjupurrula. Nellie is naturally a quite and shy woman, however her association with other famous artists has given her the confidence to enter into wider society so that she may now show the world her culture and Dreaming as a successful artist. Nellie’s colour choice is very similar to her father’s, which are predominately earthy colours.
She holds dear her father and his down the line before them, the ‘Turkey Dreaming’ and ‘Lightning Dreaming’
She paints Womens Stories, Womens Tingari, My Country and Travelling Women
Nelli is a respected member of her people and follows a traditional lifestyle. She takes part in women’s ceremonies and women’s painting when she is in her country. Nelli and her sister, Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra are now very sought after artists and have gainied popularity within Aboriginal art circles . Both of their artworks can be found in galleries throughout Australia and increasingly, Internationally.