Doris Bush Nungarrayi Mamunya ngalyananyi (Monster coming)

Doris Bush Nungarrayi was born in Ikuntji/Haasts Bluff, 250 kilometres west of Mparntwe/Alice Springs, and was married to the late George Bush Tjangala. She paints vivid memories, stories and dreams from her life.

In this painting, Nungarrayi depicts several mamus, or ‘cheeky ones’, as she refers to them. However, they are not to be taken lightly as they are ominous and malevolent spirits that terrify Aṉangu. They are typically seen to have large haunting eyes, straight hair standing upright, and can shapeshift into many different forms, including the human figure. The mamu usually hide in underground dwellings or inside hollow trees.

Papunya Tjupi Arts, 2023