Vaughan Spring Dreaming #2341/19ny

DOB: 1962
BORN: Yuendumu, NT
LANGUAGE GROUP: Warlpiri
COMMUNITY: Nyirripi, NT

Ursula is fast becoming known for her bold, graphic deisgns and unique decpiction of Pikilyi Jukurrpa (Vaughn Springs Dreaming). She is from the remote community of Yuendumu and paints for Warlukurlangu Art Centre. Ursula’s paintings are unmistakable, with her use of bold, abstract design and unique patterning to illustrate her subject matter. Commonly, Ursula depicts Pikilyi Jukurrpa, or Vaughan Springs Dreaming.

Pikilyi is a large and important waterhole and natural spring near Mount Doreen station. Vaughan Springs Dreaming tells of the home of two rainbow serpents, ancestral heroes who lived together as man and wife. The woman rainbow serpent was of the Napanangka skin group, and the man was a Japangardi. This was a taboo relationship contrary to Warlpiri religious law. Women of the Napanangka and Napangardi subsection sat by the two serpents, picking lice off them. For this service, the two serpents allowed the women to take water from the springs at Pikilyi. This was because the serpents were the ceremonial owners of that country. The spirits of these two rainbow serpents are still at Pikilyi today.