Renae Nakamarra Nelson

Renae was born in Alice Springs. She is a Luritja / Warlpiri / Pitjantjatjara woman, who grew up across several desert communities, from Papunya to Yuendumu and Watinuma in the APY lands. She is the granddaughter of Michael Tjakamarra Nelson, whose work is featured in impressive mosaic on the forecourt of Parliament House, Canberra.

Renae grew up watching her grandfather mixing paint. She leant his methods of applying the dots to create the patterns. He taught Renae how to apply the paint.

Her maternal grandmother, Manyitjanu Lennon is a senior elder in Watinuma Community and has passed a wealth of cultural knowledge to younger generations. Renae learned the stories of her ancestors from her grandmother, Manyitjanu and loves to paint to connect with her culture. She finds deep relaxation in the focus while she paints, remembering her stories and maintaining her identity.