Anyupa Nelson

Anyupa Nelson was born around 1968 in Pipalyatjara, and is the daughter of Angampa Martin, a renowned Irrunytju artist. Growing up in Pipalyatjara with her family, Anyupa was always surrounded by art, and enjoyed going out into the bush with her mum and dad, siblings, and aunties to catch bush tucker and spend time on Country. Today, Anyupa still enjoys going out to the bush with the ladies and holds deep knowledge about the land and animals.

Anyupa learned to paint from the older women in at Ninuku, including her mother, who painted stories of her Country in Western Australia. Anyupa’s work is inspired by her mother’s Country and a determination to support her family. Her art preserves cultural heritage and fosters a profound connection to the land and its stories.

Anyupa lives in Pipalyatjara with her husband, grandchildren, and extended family, and across from her sister, Angela Watson. They sit together every day in the studio. They share the songlines of Minyma Kutjara, of two women travelling alone who are looking for fresh ‘kapi’ (water). Along their travels they have to escape the advances of a ‘wati’ (man) who stalks them. Anyupa’s meticulous designs continuously generate her tjukurpa with captivating and slightly shifting repetitions that tell the different moments of the story. She started painting in 2O16 and is going from strength to strength. ‘I paint to support my family’ she says, which includes her grandchildren.