artist – Sarah Napurrurla Leo

community – Central & Western Desert (Warlukurlangu Artists)

title: Goanna Dreaming

year painted: 2025

dimensions: 30 x 30cm

medium: Acrylic on canvas

stretched: yes

about this painting: This painting depicts the Wardapi Jukurrpa (sand monitor/goanna Dreaming), which travels between Purturlu (Mount Theo) and Yarripilangu (Newhaven). This work focuses on the Yarripilangu section of the Dreaming, which is owned by Napaljarri/Nungarrayi women and Japaljarri/Jungarrayi men. The story tells of a Japangardi man, Wamaru, who unlawfully pursued and united with a Nungarrayi woman of the wrong skin group, breaking traditional law. As a result, the land at Yarripilangu turned to white ochre, and the man and women were transformed into goannas. Despite the taboo, the man later returned with the woman to Purturlu. The site remains significant today, with white ochre, caves, springs, and multiple Dreaming tracks linked to ceremony, love magic, and men’s initiation rituals.

View all artworks by Sarah Napurrula Leo.

This artwork can be viewed at our Sydney gallery.