Jorna Newberry

Jorna Newberry was a highly respected Pitjantjatjara artist known for her striking, multi layered abstract works. Born around 1959 in Angus Downs, Northern Territory, she lived between Alice Springs and the remote communities of Warakurna and Irrunytju, where she remained deeply connected to her traditional lands and heritage.

As the niece of the late Tommy Watson, one of the most renowned Western Desert artists, Jorna was profoundly influenced by his teachings. Under his guidance, she developed a distinctive style that incorporated intricate dotting and powerful compositional designs, ensuring that sacred cultural knowledge remained encoded within her paintings. She first began painting in the mid 1990s at Warakurna and later worked with the Irrunytju Arts Centre, where she refined her technique and artistic vision. After her time at Irrunytju, she collaborated directly with trusted private galleries, further expanding her reach and recognition in the contemporary Indigenous art world.

Jorna's work frequently depicted Walpa Tjukurpa (Wind Dreaming) and Ngintaka Tjukurpa (Perentie Lizard Dreaming), both deeply significant stories from her mother's country at Utantja. Over the years, Jorna's artistic approach evolved - while she initially favoured rich, vibrant desert hues, she later pared back her palete, using white, creams and neutrals on a black background. This shift allowed her to highlight the intricate movement and rhythm of her compositions, creating a contemporary aesthetic while preserving deep cultural integrity.

Beyond her contributions to art, Jorna was a respected cultural leader, a devoted mother, and a loving grandmother. She took great pride in passing down knowledge to the next generation, both through her paintings and her active participation in traditional ceremonies. Her presence in the art world was not only a testament to her creative brilliance but also a bridge between ancient cultural traditions and contemporary artistic expression.

Jorna Newberry's legacy endures through her powerful artworks, which continue to captivate audiences and preserve the ancestral stories of the Pitjantjatjara people.



Copyright Kate Owen Gallery, February 2025