Janet Long Nakamarra / Water Dreaming

A Warlpiri artist, linguist and educator from Warntaparri Country who started creating art at Willowra in 1989. Her detailed works translate Dreaming, Law and cultural histories into layered visual narratives. Born in 1960 at Anninie, in her people’s cultural Warntaparri Country, Janet Long Nakamarra spent formative years living a traditional lifestyle. Through dedication and study, Janet became a Linguist, subsequently working as a literacy teacher at Willowra School, where she helped develop bilingual materials for the community.

Janet started creating art in 1989, initially working on small boards when canvas and paint first became available to local artists at Willowra. Her Aunts, May and Molly Napurulla, taught her the ceremonial body paint designs associated with her Warntaparri Dreaming. Her individual visual language and finely layered storytelling have earned her significant recognition both nationally and internationally.