Rosie Tasman, skin name Napurrurla, was born in the mid to late 1920s, and grew up walking the traditional songlines of the Tanami Desert. Crossing the desert, following the seasonal availability of food and water, Napurrurla travelled the vast lands of the Tanami on foot with her family, guided by the stories of their Jukurrpa (Dreaming).
Napurrurla was moved to Lajamanu during the Government’s relocation programs in the early 1950s. Possessing great wisdom and knowledge, she dedicated herself to the preservation of Warlpiri culture and tradition.
Together with Molly Napurrurla Tasman and Lily Nungarrayi Hargraves, the trio were leaders of the Warlpiri art scene, becoming widely known both in Australia and overseas. Featuring bright and bold lines and controlled dot work, Napurrurla is recognisable for her colour choice and sense of design.
Exhibited internationally and throughout Australia, Napurrurla has artwork that is held in a collection by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). In 2010, she was a finalist at the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award (NATSIAA).
Source Warnayaka Arts 2025
In 2008 Warnayaka Arts wrote: ‘Rosie Napurrurla Tasman is the older sister of Molly Napurrurla Tasman. They paint together in Lajamanu. Napurrurla is a tiny lady full of dynamic knowledge about her stories shown in the painting she creates. She is a caring dedicated lady who grew up in the Tanami Desert and walked along her story lines. Her depth of character and hardship she has endured has caused her to produce beautiful creations of Dreamtime using colourful bold linework and dots. Napurrurla is a hard working, busy person.Her love and dedication to Warlpiri Culture and family is born out in the art she creates. This art has been widely exhibited in Australia and overseas. She was a finalist in the 2010 Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards. Major Collections: National Gallery of Victoria and Artbank.