Hermannsburg Historic Precinct

Clarabelle Swift

Clarabelle was born in 1967, the daughter of Lloyd and Audrey Rubuntja and attended the mission school at Hermannsburg.

Clarabelle Swift

About the artist

It was while staying at the family outstation, Liltjira, some 25 kilometres west of Hermannsburg, that her interest in painting began. She was influenced by an uncle (name unknown) who had spent time at Papunya where acrylic on canvas “dot” art originated. Clarabelle’s art focuses largely on the depiction of the various local bush foods and uses mainly the traditional ochre colours.

Her work is well composed and skilfully executed. She works at the women’s safehouse and is a member of the well known Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir. She has 2 sons and 3 grandchildren.

Discover other artists

Gloria Napurrurla Pannka

Gloria Pannka was born at Hermannsburg in 1953. She is a granddaughter of Albert Namatjira and daughter of Claude Pannka who was one of the first generation of Hermannsburg water colour artists.

Roxanne Kenny

Roxanne was born at Hermannsburg in 1968. Her father was a Southern Aranda man from Horseshoe Bend (south of Alice Springs on the Finke River).