Lilly Campbell Napangardi

Lilly was born about 1971 at Papunya Community and lived there until she was 20 years old at which point she moved to Alice Springs. Lilly has painted for eleven years since her Grandfather Old Mick Tjakamarra (deceased) taught her to paint. From him she inherited the honey ant, snake and bush potato stories. From her grandmother Topsy Napaltjarri, Lilly received Bush Onion (Yalka), Bush Berries, Bush Plum, Bush Tomato (Akajiri), Women (Kungka’s) Dancing and Women’s Ceremony (exclusively a women’s story). Although Lilly lives in town, traditional life remains strong through participation in regular ceremonial activities out bush with the elder women. Lilly uses a very broad colour palette of complementary colours. Her canvasses express the stories she holds, her vision of country and her connection. Painting country helps her feel strong for country. In June 2003 Lilly was chosen by Fireside Gallery, Brisbane to participate in workshops to extend and develop her artwork. Lilly worked mostly interpreting traditional body paint designs into contemporary visual arts.