Untitled | AS-181

DOB: Early 1950’s to 2005

Birthplace: Yuendumu

Language: Luritja/Warlpiri
Region

Region: Pupunya, Alice Springs NT



Partnered with Kaapa Tjampitjinpa during the formative period of the modern painting movement at Papunya, Eunice emerged as one of the few women who began painting and selling works independently of the predominantly male art centre. Initially, Eunice assisted in the background dotting on Kaapa’s canvas, which was a common practice in husband-and-wife collaborations. By the late 1980s, she had established herself as an independent artist. Eunice's distinctive approach to color and design quickly positioned her as a leading figure in the emerging women's painting movement of the 1990s.

Born and raised near Yuendumu, Eunice lived off the traditional bush foods of the spinifex country and learned the ancient Dreaming stories from her grandparents. When Eunice and her sisters Alice, Rene, and Pansy Napangardi began using acrylic paints, her signature theme became Yuparli or Bush Banana Dreaming. She illustrated the bush banana through its various growth stages. This important food source, known for its healing properties, holds immense significance for Aboriginal people of Central Australia.

Despite making several trips to participate in city art engagements, Eunice spent most of her life in the Alice Springs area and spoke limited English. Nevertheless, she painted diligently, often working up to ten hours a day. She collaborated with Maxie Tjampitjinpa prior to his passing and, before her own sudden and untimely death, had become a respected elder and healer.