Kunmanara S. Kurarra (1952-2025)

Kunmanara (Sonia) painted the sandy billabong country along the stretch of the Fitzroy River that runs directly behind the community. After the floodwaters recede, there are billabongs that hold a plentiful supply of parlka [barramundi], kurlumajarti [catfish] and bream. She painted gapi [fish], parrmarr [rocks] where the fish is cooked, ngurti [coolamon] and a karli [boomerang].

She began painting at Mangkaja Arts in the early 1990s working mostly on paper. Since 2008, she worked predominantly on canvas, exhibiting in numerous group shows. Her first solo show in 2009 had an overwhelming response and saw her establish herself as one of Mangkaja Arts leading contemporary artists. Her work won the Indigenous prize in the 2010 Hedland Art Awards.