Judy Watson Napangardi was at the forefront of a move towards more abstract rendering of Dreaming stories by Warlpiri artists. However, the significance of cultural knowledge is not diluted or abstracted by any means. Her work always powerfully projected the sacredness of place and song within her culture.
Napangardi was born circa 1925 around Yarungkanji, Mt. Doreen Station, northwest of Alice Springs. She grew up living a traditionally nomadic lifestyle with her family around the vast Warlpiri country between the Tanami and Gibson deserts. Her family's lifestyle shifted when the Warlpiri, like other desert tribes, were forced into new government settlements. After difficult adjustment to the European ways of life, Napangardi became captivated by early memories, walking through the land of her ancestors, which she ultimately harnessed and translated into painting.
Napangardi's paintings were primarily influenced by the Dreamings associated with the Women's country at Mina Mina. The potent life force within these stories is evoked in Napangardi's use of colour, and richly textured, drag-dotting style which traces the sinuous lines of dancing women on Country. Napangardi Watson was a widely acclaimed and highly visible artist. She divided her time between Yuendumu where she painted for the Warlukulangu art centre, and Alice Springs. She sadly passed away in 2016.