Elizabeth Nakamarra top ten paintings sold
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Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (born circa 1955) is a highly accomplished Pintupi artist from the Western Desert region, renowned for her intricate mapping of the sacred Lightning Dreaming and ancestral water hole sites.
Much like other prominent contemporary desert figures, her paintings do not circulate on a global “Top 10” multi-million dollar list, which is typically reserved for rare early masterpieces by foundational artists like Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Instead, Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra represents a highly collectible and accessible segment of fine contemporary Indigenous art. Her public secondary market auction prices peak in the premium five-figure tier, while a vast majority of her commercial gallery works trade reliably between $1,500 and $4,500 AUD. [1, 2, 3]
Below is an overview of her highest verified public records and the key attributes fine art collectors follow:
Verified Top Public Auction & Gallery Benchmarks
- Thunderstorm at Kalipinypa, North of Sandy Blight Junction
- Sale Price: $11,070 AUD (Sold via )
- Significance: This stands as the all-time public auction record for an Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra artwork.
- Aesthetic: A visually striking, large-scale composition utilizing precise concentric line structures to depict the movement of storm clouds and lightning striking the ancestral home country of her father and grandfather. [1, 2]
- Untitled (EMN84)
- Market Value: $2,150 AUD (Premium retail gallery baseline)
- Significance: Measuring 147 x 89 cm, this large-scale acrylic canvas serves as a textbook example of her contemporary aesthetic. It features tight, repeating linear bands that produce a fluid, vibrating topographical optical illusion. [1]
Key Value Indicators & Conflation Risks to Track
When high-end urban galleries evaluate an artwork attributed to her, they focus on three core parameters to justify premium asset value:
- The “Elizabeth” Market Conflation Risk: In fine art auction databases, collectors must be extremely careful not to confuse Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra with Elizabeth Nyumi Nungurrayi (1947–2019). Elizabeth Nyumi was a highly influential Balgo artist whose iconic Parwalla desert country paintings fetch considerably higher auction results, ranging between $6,000 and $20,000+ AUD. [1]
- The Kalipinypa Narrative: Elizabeth Marks was chosen by her family to carry on the sacred storytelling rights to the Kalipinypa water dreaming site. Works that explicitly document the intense meteorological phenomena of the region—utilising heavy linear paths representing flashes of lightning and flash floods—command higher collector demand than her simpler geometric forms. [1]
- Institutional Provenance Check: In January 2004, she was named one of Australia’s “Most Collectable” artists by the prestigious Australian Art Collectors magazine. Authentic premium pieces carry impeccable primary gallery lineage from institutions like the National Gallery of Australia (NGA), which holds her permanent collections. [1, 2]
Elizabeth Nakamarra auction results
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (c. 1955/1959–2023) has a robust secondary market footprint, with over 80 lots offered at public auction. As a prominent Pintupi/Warlpiri artist, the first female director of Papunya Tula Artists, and the wife of legendary painter Mick Namarari Tjapaltjarri, her works are highly collected. [1, 2, 3]
Her public auction results span a wide range, tracking from $300 USD for smaller works up to a record high of $44,450 USD for her masterworks. [1, 2]
Notable Sales & Auction Records
- “Untitled” (2003 Masterwork)
- “Thunderstorm at Kalipinypa, North of Sandy Blight Junction“
- Standard Canvas & Linen Works
- Value Range: Mid-to-large scale decorative works generally land between $1,000 AUD and $3,500 AUD at regional Australian auctions. Smaller entry-level acrylic paintings or auction clearance boards frequently trade between $300 USD and $800 USD. [1]
Market Value Differentiators
To gauge the valuation of an Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra piece, appraisers evaluate specific traits:
- The Escher-Style Illusion: Her most valuable works feature tightly interlocking, geometric “dragged dot” paths. The higher the density and precision of these lines against a dark background, the higher the hammer price. [1]
- Provenance Verification: Works carrying official Papunya Tula Artists catalog numbers (e.g., matching her standard prefix codes) command significant premiums over un-vetted works moving through independent commercial dealers. [1]
- Dreaming Theme: Collectors fiercely compete for her Lightning, Storm, and Big Water Dreaming depictions over simple topographic mapping. [1]
Jun 25, 2026
ELIZABETH NAKAMARRA, “Emu Dreaming”, Acrylic on canvas., 91cm x 46cm
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD350
Jan 04, 2023
ELIZABETH NAKAMARRA “Emu Dreaming”
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD450
Jan 04, 2023
ELIZABETH NAKAMARRA “Emu Dreaming”
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD325
Sep 06, 2021
Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Sold: AUD2,400
Apr 21, 2020
Marks, Elizabeth Nakamarra Untitled / synthetic polymer on linen 182 x 122 cm 2000
Cooee Art
Sold: AUD1,800
Mar 18, 2012
ELIZABETH NAKAMARRA WOMEN’S CEREMONY 1999
Aboriginal Gallery of Dreamings
Passed
Sep 14, 2020
Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Sold: AUD1,200
Oct 10, 2026
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (c. 1955/60 – ) Sans titre
Millon & Associes
Sold: €1,600
Sep 30, 2026
Lawsons
Sold: AUD375
Sep 30, 2026
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra acrylic on canvas.
E J Ainger
Sold: AUD600
Sep 16, 2026
Lawsons
Passed
Sep 02, 2026
Lawsons
Passed
May 17, 2026
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA, “Big Water”, Acrylic on linen., 72cm x 71cm
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD300
May 17, 2026
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA, “Lightning Dreaming”, Acrylic on linen., 100cm x 161cm
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD1,800
Mar 23, 2026
Lawsons
Sold: AUD2,200
Dec 15, 2025
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA, (1959-2023), “Water Dreaming”, Acrylic on canvas, 120cm x 50cm
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD325
Dec 02, 2025
Bonhams
Sold: AUD9,000
Sep 30, 2025
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra, Warlpiri (1959-), Lightening Dreaming 2009, Acrylic on linen
Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Sold: AUD600
Sep 30, 2025
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra, Warlpiri (1959-), Lightening Dreaming 2011, Acrylic on canvas
Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Sold: AUD1,200
Sep 22, 2025
Lawsons
Sold: AUD450
Dec 08, 2024
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA, ”My Country (Big Water Dreaming)”, Acrylic on linen., 112cm x 111cm
Ozbid Auctions
Passed
Nov 17, 2024
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA, ”My Country (Big Water Dreaming)”, Acrylic on linen., 112cm x 111cm
Ozbid Auctions
Passed
Aug 21, 2024
Lawsons
Passed
Apr 28, 2024
Lawsons
Passed
Mar 28, 2024
Leonard Joel
Sold: AUD1,500
Mar 26, 2024
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA, UNTITLED, 2002
Deutscher and Hackett
Sold: AUD5,000
Mar 05, 2024
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra – Kalipinpa Rockhole, 2005
Cooee Art
Sold: AUD2,000
Aug 27, 2023
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA (c.1959 – 2023) “My Country”
Ozbid Auctions
Passed
Aug 27, 2023
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA (c.1959 – 2023) “My Country”
Ozbid Auctions
Passed
Apr 30, 2023
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “My Country”
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD500
Apr 16, 2023
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA (BORN 1955), Waterhole 2005
Gibson’s
Sold: AUD3,400
Mar 12, 2023
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA UNTITLED
Webb’s – Specialist Auctioneers
Sold: $275
Oct 16, 2022
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA (BORN 1959), Women’s Tingari at Talipinba
Gibson’s
Sold: AUD1,200
Sep 12, 2021
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Lightning Dreaming”
Ozbid Auctions
Passed
Aug 25, 2021
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (b. 1955)
Shapiro Auctioneers
Sold: AUD1,000
Aug 25, 2021
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (b. 1955)
Shapiro Auctioneers
Passed
Mar 29, 2021
Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Sold: AUD850
Jan 10, 2021
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “My Country”
Ozbid Auctions
Passed
Dec 06, 2020
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “My Country”
Ozbid Auctions
Passed
May 31, 2020
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Women’s Dreaming”
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD480
May 21, 2020
Leonard Joel
Sold: AUD480
Nov 21, 2019
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (1958 – ) – Kailpinpa 61 x 55cm (stretched and ready to hang)
Lawsons
Passed
Oct 29, 2019
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (b. 1955)
Shapiro Auctioneers
Sold: AUD2,760
Sep 21, 2017
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (1955 – ) – Lightening 172 x 112cm (stretched & ready to hang)
Lawsons
Passed
Jun 06, 2017
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA (born 1955) Untitled 2003 acrylic on canvas
Leonard Joel
Sold: AUD1,500
Mar 30, 2017
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA, UNTITLED, ACRYLIC ON CANVAS, 125 X 98CM
Leonard Joel
Sold: AUD320
Mar 16, 2017
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (1955 – ) – Lightening 172 x 112cm (framed & ready to hang)
Lawsons
Passed
Nov 03, 2016
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (1955 – ) – Lightening 172 x 112cm
Lawsons
Passed
Sep 15, 2016
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (1958 – ) – Kailpinpa 61 x 55cm (framed & ready to hang)
Lawsons
Sold: AUD375
Jul 21, 2016
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (1958 – ) – Small Creek Spilling Water Near Lightening Strike 42 x 74cm
Lawsons
Sold: AUD90
Jul 21, 2016
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (1958 – ) – Kailpinpa 61 x 55cm (framed & ready to hang)
Lawsons
Passed
Mar 03, 2016
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (1955 – ) – Water Dreaming 106 x 93cm (framed & ready to hang)
Lawsons
Sold: AUD550
Mar 03, 2016
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (1955 – ) – Untitled (Bush Dance) 123 x 53cm (framed & ready to hang)
Lawsons
Sold: AUD100
Feb 11, 2016
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (1955 – ) – Untitled (Bush Dance) 123 x 53cm
Lawsons
Passed
Nov 05, 2015
Leonard Joel
Sold: AUD240
Oct 15, 2015
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (1959 – ) – Water Dreaming 90 x 30cm
Lawsons
Sold: AUD260
Oct 15, 2015
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (1959 – ) – Bush Tucker Dreaming 90 x 30cm
Lawsons
Sold: AUD280
Mar 09, 2015
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Water Dreaming” Acrylic on canvas.
Ozbid Auctions
Passed
Mar 02, 2015
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Big Water Dreaming” Acrylic on canvas.
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD260
Mar 02, 2015
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Women’s Ceremony” Acrylic on linen
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD160
Feb 21, 2015
NAKAMARRA, Elizabeth Marks (b.1955)
Davidson Auctions
Sold: AUD50
Jan 18, 2015
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Big Water Dreaming” Acrylic on Belgium linen
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD280
Dec 21, 2014
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Water Dreaming” Acrylic on linen.
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD1,100
Dec 02, 2014
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Water Dreaming” Acrylic on canvas.
Ozbid Auctions
Passed
Nov 09, 2014
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Water Dreaming” Acrylic on canvas.
Ozbid Auctions
Passed
Nov 09, 2014
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Lightening Dreaming” Acrylic on linen
Ozbid Auctions
Passed
Oct 26, 2014
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Water Dreaming” Acrylic on linen.
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD350
Oct 06, 2014
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Lightening Dreaming” Acrylic on linen.
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD800
Sep 29, 2014
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Women’s Ceremony” Acrylic on linen
Ozbid Auctions
Passed
Jul 13, 2014
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Lightening Dreaming” Acrylic on linen
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD220
Jun 09, 2014
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Lightening Dreaming” Acrylic on linen
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD240
Jun 09, 2014
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Lightening Dreaming” Acrylic on canvas
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD240
Jun 02, 2014
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Lightening Dreaming” Acrylic on linen
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD420
May 06, 2014
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Lightening Dreaming” Acrylic on linen
Ozbid Auctions
Passed
May 06, 2014
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA “Lightening Dreaming” Acrylic on canvas
Ozbid Auctions
Sold: AUD260
Apr 17, 2014
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (1959 – ) – Bush Food, 2005 200 x 142cm
Lawsons
Sold: AUD500
Mar 20, 2014
Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra (1959 – ) – Bush Food (2005) 200 x 142cm
Lawsons
Passed
Nov 17, 2013
ELIZABETH MARKS NAKAMARRA (c. 1955 – ), Medium: Original Acrylic Painting
Art Invest
Passed
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