Candy Nakamarra Nelson is the daughter of Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula, one of the founders of the desert painting movement, and his wife Gladys Napanangka, one of the first women painters for Papunya Tula Artists. Her mother travelled to Yuendumu for corroboree dancing when she was pregnant with Candy, and Candy was born there in 1964. Candy grew up and attended school in Papunya and later at Yirara College from 1978-80. She then returned to Papunya, where she married. Candy has two daughters, Gabrielle and Tina, and a son Nero. She is currently looking after her brother Mike’s granddaughter Mary-Anne.

Candy used to watch her father painting in Alice Springs and Papunya and remembers her children watching their grandfather when they were little. Her father used to tell them stories while he painted. He taught them the stories, which Candy learned too from listening to him and watching him paint, but not painting herself. She started to paint after watching her sister Minnie painting stories, also taught to her by their father, and she learned “a little bit” from Minnie.

Writers:

Papunya Tjupi Arts

Date written:

2009

Last updated:

2011