Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi

Gabriella Possum 1000 mm x 1920 mm artwork

About Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi

Date of Birth: Circa. 1967

Place of Birth: Mt Allan, Northern Territory, Australia

Language Group: Anmatyerre

Style of Art: Contemporary Aboriginal painting

Aboriginal Art Status: Highly acclaimed, internationally collected artist

In the realm of contemporary Indigenous Australian art, Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi stands as a beacon, illuminating the path between the ancient and the modern. Through her suggestive paintings, she invites us to connect with the ancient wisdom and enduring spirit of her ancestors, bridging the gap between past and present, tradition and innovation.

Who is Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi?

Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi is a renowned contemporary Indigenous Australian artist, born in 1967. She comes from a celebrated lineage of artists, being the daughter of the late Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, a pioneering figure in the Aboriginal art movement. Gabriella's artwork is deeply rooted in her Anmatyerre heritage, which serves as the wellspring of her artistic expression.

Gabriella's connection to her ancestral roots is not merely a source of inspiration but a profound spiritual bond that permeates every aspect of her creative process. Her paintings are imbued with the rich tapestry of Indigenous Australian storytelling and traditions, offering a window into the ancient wisdom and enduring spirit of her ancestors.

Browse Gabriella Possum paintings for sale and bring a piece of Dreamtime into your home.

Themes and Style of Possum Aboriginal Art

Possum Aboriginal Art is a vibrant celebration of Indigenous Australian culture, carrying within it the weight of centuries-old narratives and customs. Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi's artworks, in particular, are distinguished by two central themes: the Seven Sisters Dreaming and Grandmother's Country.

Possum Nungurrayi Artwork

Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi Seven Sisters Dreaming

The Seven Sisters Dreaming is a timeless Indigenous Australian narrative that has been passed down through generations. It recounts the epic journey of seven ancestral sisters as they traverse the vast Australian landscape, fleeing the persistent advances of a suitor named Nyiru, who takes on various forms throughout their odyssey.

Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi Artwork

In her interpretation of the Seven Sisters Dreaming, Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi employs bold colors and intricate patterns, imbuing each brushstroke with the spiritual and cultural significance of this ancient Dreaming.

Her paintings are not mere representations but rather portals through which viewers can connect with the profound mythology and cosmology of Indigenous Australian culture.

Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi Grandmother's Country

Complementing her exploration of the Seven Sisters Dreaming, Gabriella's artworks also pay homage to Grandmother's Country, the ancestral lands of her forebears. Through her art, she transports viewers to the rugged terrain of the Australian outback, where the spirits of her ancestors roam free.

Gabriella's depictions of Grandmother's Country are imbued with a sense of reverence and deep-rooted connection to the land. Each brushstroke serves as a testament to the enduring bond between Indigenous Australians and their ancestral homelands, a bond that transcends time and space.

Gabriella Possum's Themes and Color Palette

While the Seven Sisters Dreaming and Grandmother's Country form the core of Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi's artistic repertoire, her themes and color palettes are as diverse as the Australian landscape itself.

From vibrant depictions of the natural world to intricate dot paintings that evoke the spiritual realm, her artwork reflects the multifaceted nature of Indigenous Australian culture.

Gabriella's mastery of color is particularly striking, with each hue carrying layers of symbolism and cultural significance. Her bold use of reds, ochres, and earthy tones pays homage to the rich mineral deposits of the Australian outback, while her incorporation of blues and greens captures the essence of the continent's diverse ecosystems.

Through her masterful command of form and color, Gabriella invites viewers to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the depths of Aboriginal spirituality and tradition with every brushstroke.

Awards and Recognition

Award Recognition (2003)

  • Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi was awarded the prestigious Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award.
  • This accolade recognised her artistic excellence and the profound impact of her work.
  • The award also amplified the voice of Indigenous Australian artists on the national stage.

Institutional Honour

This accolade recognised her artistic excellence and the profound impact of her work.The award also amplified the voice of Indigenous Australian artists on the national stage.

Exhibitions

Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi’s artworks have captivated audiences worldwide through numerous solo and group exhibitions, celebrated for their vivid storytelling and intricate techniques. Some major highlights include:

1991

Australian National Gallery, Canberra

2006

Painted for the permanent collection of Buckingham Palace, London

2007

Represented Australia in the Our Land, Our Body exhibition in the USA

2015

Sharing Country Exhibition, Japingka Gallery

Regular appearances

at art fairs and exhibitions in London, New York, Paris, and Tokyo

One of her most notable solo exhibitions, "Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi: Seven Sisters," was held at the Campbelltown Arts Centre in 2016. This exhibition featured her powerful interpretations of the Seven Sisters Dreaming, a theme that has become a hallmark of her artistic practice.

Her international exposure helped position her as one of the few Aboriginal artists recognised both inside and outside Australia.

Visit Gabriella Possum with Mandel Aboriginal Art Gallery

Experience firsthand the beauty and complexity of Possum Aboriginal Art, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the stories and traditions that inspire it.

Through bold colors and intricate patterns, Gabriella's renowned artworks will transport you to the timeless realm of Indigenous Australian storytelling. Connect with the profound narratives of the Seven Sisters Dreaming and explore the ancestral landscapes of Grandmother's Country.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the captivating world of Possum Aboriginal Art. Let Gabriella's masterpieces awaken your senses and ignite your spirit.

Contact us at (03) 9497 5111 or visit us at the Mandel Aboriginal Art Gallery now and embark on a transformative journey through Australia's rich cultural heritage.