Artistic Lineage and Cultural Roots

Colleen was born in Santa Teresa and raised in Alice Springs, where she was taught the stories and painting techniques of her people by her stepmother and aunt, the artist Kathleen Wallace. Her father’s Country lies near the Gem Tree area, northeast of Alice Springs. Painting for over 20 years, Colleen has developed a style that honours both her Arrernte heritage and the distinctive Utopia art movement. Her Dreamings are deeply personal and spiritual, drawing on her family's responsibilities and connections to sacred sites.

As part of the wider Utopia art community, Colleen continues a legacy of cultural preservation through visual storytelling. Her role as both artist and cultural custodian is reflected in the symbolism, movement and balance of her paintings. You can learn more about her background and artistic journey in her biography.

Dreamtime Sisters and Signature Style

Colleen Wallace Nungari is best known for her striking representations of the Dreamtime Sisters—ancestral spirit figures who travel through the land, singing, dancing and protecting Country. Her works often depict these figures in flowing, symmetrical formations, surrounded by concentric lines and intricate dotting that symbolise energy, movement and ceremony. The Dreamtime Sisters are not only decorative but deeply sacred, embodying law, knowledge and life force.

Her colour palette typically includes earthy reds, soft neutrals and warm ochres, sometimes contrasted with black or white to create depth and light. The result is a layered, almost pulsating visual field that invites the viewer into the rhythm and spirit of her Dreamings. Many of Colleen’s paintings also reference waterholes, journeys across Country and women’s ceremonies—subjects central to her cultural inheritance.

Collecting Colleen Wallace Nungari’s Art

Each painting by Colleen is a one-off, hand-painted artwork that comes with a certificate of authenticity. Her artworks are sought after for their spiritual symbolism, meticulous technique and cultural significance. They appeal to both seasoned collectors and those new to Aboriginal art, offering a powerful blend of visual storytelling and ancestral connection.

Colleen’s works have been exhibited nationally and are held in private and corporate collections across Australia and internationally. Choosing one of her pieces means not only acquiring a unique artwork but also supporting the living continuation of Aboriginal knowledge and culture through art.

Our team at Mbantua is happy to assist if you'd like guidance selecting a piece that suits your space or interest. Whether you're drawn to the movement of the Dreamtime Sisters or the meditative quality of her compositions, Colleen Wallace Nungari’s paintings offer timeless stories and enduring beauty.