Photo © Tobias Titz
SHOP ARTWORKS BY NGALANGKA
Born c. 1951
Ngalangka was born at Wirrinyalkujarra, northeast of Punmu Aboriginal community. Her mother was Warnman and Ngaanyatjarra and her father was a Ngaanyatjarra man. Ngalangka is the youngest sister to fellow Martumili Artists Muuki Taylor (OAM) and the late Wokka Taylor. When she was a child, Ngalangka's family lived in the Percival Lakes area surrounding Wirnpa and Kirriwirri soaks, where they often met with Martu families coming from the North and West. Despite growing awareness of station and mission life, Ngalangka’s father was determined to remain living in the desert.
During a journey north to see Ngalangka’s two sisters in the Ngurarra (Joanna Springs) area, her father became critically ill. As the desert population continued to decrease, Ngalangka's family met with the Biljabu family. Together they lived in the Karlamilyi (Rudall River) region for a time. After the passing of her father, Ngalangka’s family relocated to Jigalong Mission in 1965. Together they walked into Balfour Downs Station, where they werecollected by Jigalong Mission staff. Ngalangka, like many others, felt a profound and long lasting sadness after having to leave her Country and adjust to life in a mission.
In Jigalong she began schooling, later continuing her education in Port Hedland. Ngalangka subsequently moved to Aboriginal communities Strelley and Jigalong, where she was employed as a health worker. Ngalangka eventually settled in Parnngurr with her husband Nyarrie Morgan. Together Ngalangka and Nyarrie moved to Parnngurr Aboriginal community, where they continue to live as respected elders and community leaders with their children and grandchildren.
A founding member of Martumili Artists, Ngalangka has painted and woven baskets wince 2000. As a cultural advisor and translator, she has been instrumental in the establishment and development of the group.
COLLECTIONS
Art Gallery of Western Australia
