About Sharon

Sharon Numina, born in 1981, hails from a rich artistic heritage and attended Kormilda College in Darwin. She is one of six sisters and has two brothers. Her mother, Barbara Price Mbtitjana, is not only an elder painter but also a cultural elder from Stirling Station near Tennant Creek. Sharon, alongside her sisters, learned the art of painting from their mother. As a talented Numina Sister desert artist, Sharon resides in Darwin with her older sisters.

Sharon's late father was from Utopia. Her artwork, which often depicts themes such as Bush Tucker, Goanna, and Dingo Tracks, reflects both her mother's and father's Country and Dreaming totems and their cultural knowledge stories.

Coming from a long line of desert painters deeply entrenched in the contemporary Aboriginal art and dot-dot central desert movement, Sharon, her sisters, and their mother have inherited artistic prowess from their well-renowned painter aunties, Gloria and Kathleen Petyerre, established artists in Alice Springs. The family's rich artistic lineage is a wellspring of inspiration for Sharon's vibrant and evocative work.

About the artwork

In this powerful painting, the artist beautifully portrays her country, capturing the essence of collecting bush medicine leaves and various plants with seeds or plums. The artwork showcases the travel paths passing through the stony country, along with the desert areas, hills, and dried up salt lake areas. Throughout the painting, the women are depicted in a U shape, conveying the rich stories related to women's business, initiation ceremonies, and the deep spiritual significance of body painting. The intricate designs and motifs represent the social position and ancestral connections of the Aboriginal people, providing a profound portrayal of their traditions and beliefs. The depiction of bush tucker, tools used for collection, and the healing properties of the Bush Medicine Plant highlight the deep connection to the land and the natural world. This beautiful artwork serves as a testament to the cultural richness and spiritual significance of the Aboriginal people and their deep connection to the land.