Debra Nangala

About Debra Nangala

Debra Nangala McDonald was born on the 11th of November 1969 at Papunya Camp into an impressive artistic dynasty. Her mother, Martha MacDonald, is a highly respected Papunya Tjupi artist, and sister to Lynda Syddick, while her grandfather was the late Shorty Lungkata Tjungurrayi (circa 1920-1987.) Both Debra, and Shorty’ stories refer to the Lake MacDonald area in the Gibson Desert, Central Australia. Debra was married to the nephew of Turkey Tolson, and son of the great female artist Mitjili. In July 2010 Debra had a highly successful artist in residence exhibition at Mulgara Gallery, Sails of the Desert, Ayers Rock, Northern Territory. Her talent is obvious and she is a next generation rising star who is carrying on the work of her ancestors & whose work is steadily increasing in demand by collectors worldwide.

This painting is an intricate map showing the rockholes, and big sand hills surrounding the dancing grounds, the abundant bush tucker, of Debras mothers and fathers country Blackwater Station, Western Desert. It is one of her favourite stories to paint.