Ningie Nanala Australian, Kukatja, b. 1937

Ningie was born in the Pippar/Kiwirrkurra area.  Her mother and father died when she was very young, and she came to the Balgo Mission on the invitation of Aboriginal people living there, when her family group was camped at Lirrwati close to Balgo.  Like many people at that time, she returned to her own country before settling more permanently at the old mission, first at Tjalyiwarn, then at its present site at Wirrumanu from 1962.  As a young girl she tended the mission goats, gathering bush food for them to eat.  She married and had four children.  After her first husband passed away, she married Tjumpo, another important Balgo artist, and had a further five children.

Ningie's bold and dramatic style is highly sought after and her unique application of thick 'rivers' of paint result in a highly unique style.  Ningie loves to paint and is dedicated and prolific artist.