Janganpa Jukurrpa (brush-tail possum Dreaming) 2055/20(A)

Janganpa Jukurrpa (common brush tail possum [Trichosurus vulpecula] Dreaming) travels all over Warlpiri country. 'Janpanpa' are nocturnal animals that often nest in the hollows of white gum trees ('wapunungka'). This story comes from a big hill called Mawurrji, west of Yuendumu and north of Pikilyi (Vaughan Springs). A group of 'Janganpa' ancestors resided there.

Steven Nelson has developed his own characteristic style in the depiction of the Jukurrpa, he is not using traditional iconography, his abstract representation of his dreaming is an exploration of the relationship of colour and form to depict the landscape and the story associated to his Jukurrpa.

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Steven Jupurrurla Nelson was born 30 August 1978 in Alice Springs, NT. He is a lifelong resident of Yuendumu, a remote Aboriginal community approximately 300 kilometers northwest of Alice Springs on the Tanami road. He was raised by his late mother, Nora Nungarrayi Jurrah, and his stepfather, Frankie Jakamarra Nelson. His father John Jampijjinpa Brown. he was a resident of Papunya. Steven has two siblings from the same mother different father, his brother Greg Jupurrurla Wood who lives in Uluru he is a ranger, Roslyn Napurrurla Gibson (deceased). Steven began painting at Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation in late 2014 after working at the art centre for some time. He typically paints ‘janganpa Jukurrpa’ (brush-tail possum Dreaming) from his mother’s side. His country is located near Nyirrpi, another remote Aboriginal community approximately 170 kilometers west of Yuendumu. His mother’s and grandfather’s country is also in this area. His mother’s country includes the Nginyirrpalangu outstation. His grandfather, Banjo Patterson, owned country that includes Ngarupalya. Steven enjoys the work and process of painting at Warlukurlangu.