Karen Barnes
Karen Napaljarri Barnes was born in Lajamanu, a remote Aboriginal community on the edge of the Tanami Desert, approximately 1,000 km north-west of Alice Springs. She moved to Yuendumu after finishing school to be closer to her family.
Karen has painted with Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation since 2001. She is the granddaughter of renowned artist Judy Napangardi Watson, and they painted side by side at the art centre when Karen first began.
Karen paints Dreaming stories passed down through her family for generations, originating from Mina Mina, Country west of Yuendumu for which her family are custodians. She also paints Karnta Jukurrpa (Women’s Dreaming), Wakulyarri Jukurrpa (Wallaby Dreaming) and Ngarlajiyi Jukurrpa (Bush Carrot Dreaming). Karen loves sport, especially basketball and softball, and is an avid football supporter, barracking for Lajamanu.