Biography

Tjemma (Freda) Napanangka (1935–2004) was a first-generation artist from Balgo Hills, a region located at the junction of the Tanami and Great Sandy Deserts in a remote part of Western Australia.

Her work reflects a traditional “satellite-view” approach to the land, characterised by thick, textured paint and connected dots that create the illusion of vibrant, energetic lines. The bright color palette enhances the visual impact and the ritualistic dimension of the story.

The Balgo Hills style, to which Tjemma Napanangka belongs, is defined by the combination of traditional motifs, dots, and dynamic lines. Other major artists in this style include Helicopter Tjungurrayi, Minnie Pwerle, and George Ward Tjungurrayi, who helped establish Balgo Hills as a major centre of contemporary Aboriginal art.