Lorna Fencer Napurrula

Lorna Fencer Napurrula top ten paintings sold

The record public auction and marketplace prices for senior Warlpiri custodian Lorna Fencer Napurrula (c. 1920/1925–2006) are led by her large, highly expressive canvas works that depart from traditional dotting in favour of fluid, modernist abstraction. Named by Australian Art Collector Magazine as one of the country’s most collectible artists, her premium works frequently cross tens of thousands of dollars in fine art channels. [1]

Because comprehensive historical auction hammer indices are protected behind commercial, multi-tiered subscription databases, a fixed tracking of her sequential “top ten” auction sales is restricted. However, verified secondary market milestones and premium primary listings highlight her highest-value works:

Top Recorded Public Auction & Landmark Sales

• Caterpillar Dreaming — $26,172 AUD
  A vivid, large-scale design featuring her iconic swirling patterns tracking the luju (caterpillar) ancestral travels. Masterpieces of this scale and visual energy hold prime status on international luxury fine art networks like 1stdibs. [1]
• Grief (1997) — $17,100+ AUD ($11,116 USD)
  Sold via Deutscher + Hackett in Sydney, this historic, deeply emotional canvas stands as her highest verified public auction record price for a single work. It carries prestigious provenance from the Warnayaka Art Centre. [1, 2]
• Yarla (Bush Yam) / Wapirti / Ngalatji — $12,000 – $16,000 AUD
  Her signature late-career, abstract colourist expressions exhibited at premier establishments like Mitchell Fine Art routinely top this premium gallery price bracket. [1, 2]
• Travelling Napurrula Nakamarra — $4,000 – $6,000 AUD (Auction Estimate)
  A large-format canvas (179.6 x 183 cm) detailing kinship group journeys, handled via elite secondary platforms like Invaluable with immaculate photographic documentation. [1]
• Bush Tomato Dreaming — $3,500 – $4,500 AUD
  Standard gallery exhibition stretched canvases (such as mid-scale 82cm x 126cm layouts) steadily hold this value tier through reputable primary dealers like the Mandel Aboriginal Art Gallery. [1]

Key Valuation Drivers

The financial prestige of Napurrula’s artwork relies heavily on scale, energetic brushwork, and the abstraction era. Her transition from early, structured community works at Lajamanu into uninhibited, fluid layers of hot pinks, fiery oranges, and deep purples defines her most valuable assets. Pieces that track her primary ancestral totems—specifically the Yarla (Bush Yam) lifecycles—command the highest baseline demand from contemporary art collectors. [1]

Would you like me to look into Lorna Fencer’s history with the Warnayaka Art Centre, or are you seeking appraisal details for a specific canvas size or Dreaming theme?

Oct 14, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1920 -), Bush Potato Dreaming, 2006, acrylic on canvas, 169 x 125 cm. (66.54 x 49.21 in.), frame: 174 x 131 x 5 cm. (68 1/2 x 51.57 x 1.97 in.)

Lawsons

Passed

Oct 10, 2026

Lorna Fencer Napurrula (c. 1920 – 2006) Sans titre, c. 2008

Millon & Associes

Sold: €1,200

Oct 10, 2026

Lorna Fencer Napurrula (c. 1920 – 2006) Kangaroo Tucker

Millon & Associes

Sold: €900

Sep 28, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Yartulu Yartulu, NT (c1920 – 2006), Bush Potato Dreaming, 2006, acrylic on cavas (ready to hang), 161 x 123 x 3 cm. (63.39 x 48.42 x 1.17 in.)

Lawsons

Sold: AUD1,800

Sep 28, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Yartulu Yartulu, NT (c1920 -), Bush Potato Dreaming, 2006, acrylic on canvas, 169 x 125 cm. (66.54 x 49.21 in.), frame: 174 x 131 x 5 cm. (68 1/2 x 51.57 x 1.97 in.)

Lawsons

Passed

Aug 24, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1920 – 2006), Caterpillar Dreaming, 2006, acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 88 x 123 x 3 cm. (34.64 x 48.42 x 1.17 in.)

Lawsons

Passed

Aug 24, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1920 – 2006), Bush Potato, acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 148 x 100 x 3 cm. (58.27 x 39.36 x 1.17 in.)

Lawsons

Passed

Jun 25, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c.1920-2006), “Bush Potato Dreaming”, Acrylic on belgian linen., 120cm x 61cm

Ozbid Auctions

Sold: AUD1,000

Jun 25, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c.1920-2006), “Yam Dreaming”, Acrylic on canvas., 88cm x 67cm

Ozbid Auctions

Sold: AUD900

Jun 22, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1920 -), Caterpillar Dreaming, 2006, acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 88 x 123 x 3 cm. (34.64 x 48.42 x 1.17 in.)

Lawsons

Passed

Jun 22, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1920 – 2006), Bush Potato, acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 148 x 100 x 3 cm. (58.27 x 39.36 x 1.17 in.)

Lawsons

Passed

May 25, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1925 – 2006), Yapa, 1999, acrylic on linen (ready to hang), 60 x 39 cm

Lawsons

Sold: AUD300

May 25, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1925 – 2006), Bush Potatoes, 1997, acrylic on linen (ready to hang), 80 x 80 cm

Lawsons

Sold: AUD600

May 05, 2026

YULYURLU LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c. 1924 – 2006), Yarla (Bush Potato) 2001, synthetic polymer paint on canvas

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Passed

Apr 27, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1920 -), Caterpillar Dreaming, 2006, acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 88 x 123 x 3 cm. (34.64 x 48.42 x 1.17 in.)

Lawsons

Passed

Apr 27, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1920 – 2006), Bush Potato, acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 148 x 100 x 3 cm. (58.27 x 39.36 x 1.17 in.)

Lawsons

Passed

Mar 23, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1920 – 2006), Yarla (Bush Yam), acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 199 x 122 x 3 cm. (78.34 x 48.03 x 1.17 in.)

Lawsons

Sold: AUD3,500

Mar 02, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1920 – 2006), Bush Potato, acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 148 x 100 x 3 cm. (58.27 x 39.36 x 1.17 in.)

Lawsons

Passed

Mar 02, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1920 -), Caterpillar Dreaming, 2006, acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 88 x 123 x 3 cm. (34.64 x 48.42 x 1.17 in.)

Lawsons

Passed

Jan 02, 2026

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c.1920-2006), “Bush Potato”, Acrylic on linen., 62cm x 80cm

Ozbid Auctions

Sold: AUD425

Dec 10, 2025

Lorna Fencer Napurrula, 1920-2006, acrylic on linen, Certificate and 2 photos, 126cm x 52cm plus frame

Woodlands Auctions

Passed

Dec 08, 2025

Lorna Fencer Napurrula, Anmatyerre (1920-2006), Bush Yam 2000, Synthetic polymer paint on canvas

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Sold: AUD650

Nov 19, 2025

Lorna Fencer Napurrula, 1920-2006, acrylic on linen, Certificate and 2 photos, 126cm x 52cm plus frame

Woodlands Auctions

Passed

Oct 19, 2025

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c.1920-2006), “Bush Potato”, Acrylic on linen., 62cm x 80cm

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Jul 28, 2025

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Australia (c1923 – 2006), Bush Potato, c2004, acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 102 x 74 x 2 cm. (40.1 x 29.1 x 0.7 in.)

Lawsons

Sold: AUD500

Jul 21, 2025

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c1925 – 2006), Yam Dreaming, 2004, acrylic on linen (ready to hang), 133 x 62 cm

Lawsons

Sold: AUD850

Jul 21, 2025

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c1925 – 2006), Caterpillar, 1998, acrylic on linen (ready to hang), 60.5 x 46 cm

Lawsons

Passed

Jul 21, 2025

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c1925 – 2006), Yam Dreaming, 2006, acrylic on linen (ready to hang), 79 x 130 cm

Lawsons

Passed

Jul 21, 2025

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c1925 – 2006), Bush Potatoes, 1997, acrylic on linen (ready to hang), 80 x 80 cm

Lawsons

Passed

Jul 21, 2025

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c1925 – 2006), Yapa, 1999, acrylic on linen (ready to hang), 60 x 39 cm

Lawsons

Passed

Jun 29, 2025

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c.1920-2006), “Bush Potato”, Acrylic on linen., 62cm x 80cm

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Jun 19, 2025

Lorna Fencer Napurrula, Anmatyerre (1920-2006), Caterpillar Cheeky One, Acrylic on canvas

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Passed

Jun 18, 2025

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Australia (c1923 – 2006), Bush Potato, c2004, acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 102 x 74 x 2 cm. (40.1 x 29.1 x 0.7 in.)

Lawsons

Passed

May 26, 2025

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, Australia (c1923 – 2006), Bush Potato, c2004, acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 102 x 74 x 2 cm. (40.1 x 29.1 x 0.7 in.)

Lawsons

Passed

May 08, 2025

Lorna Fencer Napurrula, Anmatyerre (1920-2006), Caterpillar Cheeky One, Acrylic on canvas

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Passed

Mar 31, 2025

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c1923 – 2006), Bush Potato, c2004, acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 102 x 74 x 2 cm. (40.1 x 29.1 x 0.7 in.)

Lawsons

Passed

Nov 26, 2024

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA (1920-2006), Luji (Caterpillar) Dreaming 2002

Gibson’s

Sold: AUD700

Nov 24, 2024

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c1923 – 2006), Bush Potato, c2004, acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 102 x 74 x 2 cm. (40.1 x 29.1 x 0.7 in.)

Lawsons

Passed

Oct 02, 2024

Lorna Fencer Napurrula, Anmatyerre (1920-2006), Bush Potato – Yarla 2000, Synthetic polymer paint on canvas

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Passed

Sep 22, 2024

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c1923 – 2006), Bush Potato, c2004, acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 102 x 74 x 2 cm. (40.1 x 29.1 x 0.7 in.)

Lawsons

Passed

Jun 25, 2024

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA (c1920-2006), ‘Little White Potato’, acrylic on canvas, 128 x 97.5 cm, stretched. Inscribed verso title and a.

Raffan Kelaher & Thomas

Sold: AUD1,200

Apr 23, 2024

Lorna Fencer Napurrula, Anmatyerre (1923-2006), Bush Plum, Acrylic on Belgian linen

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Sold: AUD2,200

Apr 21, 2024

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA (CIRCA 1920-2006), Yala – Bush Potato

Gibson’s

Sold: AUD1,500

Apr 21, 2024

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA (CIRCA 1920-2006), Big Bush Potato

Gibson’s

Sold: AUD1,000

Jan 28, 2024

Lorna Fencer Napurrula, Near Chila Well, NT (1920-2006), Long Yam Dreaming 2000, Arcylic on canvas

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Sold: AUD425

Jan 21, 2024

Lorna Fencer Napurrula. 1920-2006. ‘Yarla’. Acrylic on linen. 129cm*69cm. Comes with certificate and photo of artist with painting.

Christian McCann Auctions

Sold: AUD1,400

Jun 18, 2023

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA (1920 – 2006) “Bush Potato”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Jun 04, 2023

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “CATERPILLAR”

Phillip Caldwell Auctioneers

Sold: AUD3,200

Feb 19, 2023

Lorna Fencer Napurrula, Lajamanu, Northern Territory (c.1920-2006), Little White Bush Potato 1999, Acrylic on linen

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Sold: AUD550

Dec 13, 2022

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, BUSH POTATO, 1997           

Deutscher and Hackett

Sold: AUD2,000

Apr 26, 2022

Lorna Fencer Napurrula, Warlpiri (c.1927-2006), Bush Potato 2004, Acrylic on Belgian linen

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Sold: AUD896

Dec 06, 2021

Lorna Fencer Napurrula, Warlpiri (c.1927-2006), Bush Potato 2004, Acrylic on Belgian linen

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Passed

Sep 27, 2020

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Spring Water”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Aug 23, 2020

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Yapa Dreaming”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Jul 19, 2020

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Bush Potatoe”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Jul 19, 2020

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Spring Water “

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Jun 28, 2020

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Yapa Dreaming”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Jan 27, 2020

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Untitled”

Ozbid Auctions

Sold: AUD550

Jan 27, 2020

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Bush Potato Dreaming”

Ozbid Auctions

Sold: AUD600

Jan 05, 2020

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Yapa”

Ozbid Auctions

Sold: AUD320

Dec 22, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Yapa”

Ozbid Auctions

Sold: AUD300

Dec 22, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Bush Potato Dreaming”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Dec 22, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Untitled”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Dec 08, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Bush Potato Dreaming”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Nov 24, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Water Snake”

Ozbid Auctions

Sold: AUD700

Nov 10, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Water Snake”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Oct 27, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Bush Potato Dreaming”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Sep 29, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Bush Potato Dreaming”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Sep 29, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Water Snake”

Ozbid Auctions

Sold: AUD1,000

Sep 08, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Water Snake”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Sep 08, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Bush Potato Dreaming”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Aug 11, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Yapa”

Ozbid Auctions

Sold: AUD500

Aug 11, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Untitled”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Jun 23, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Wate Snake”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Jun 23, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Yapa”

Ozbid Auctions

Passed

Jun 02, 2019

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA “Warlpiri”

Ozbid Auctions

Sold: AUD750

Dec 13, 2018

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, MY COUNTRY 2003, ACRYLIC ON CANVAS, 60 X 45CM

Leonard Joel

Sold: AUD140

May 31, 2018

Lorna Fencer Napurrula (c1925 – 2006) – Potato Dreaming 87.5 x 101.5cm (stretched/framed & ready to hang)

Lawsons

Passed

Mar 29, 2018

Lorna Fencer Napurrula (c1925 – 2006) – Potato Dreaming 101.5 x 87.5cm (stretched/framed & ready to hang)

Lawsons

Passed

Jun 20, 2017

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA (c.1920-2006), ‘Bush Potato Dreaming’, acrylic on canvas, 57 x 163cm. Certificate of Authenticity available.

Raffan Kelaher & Thomas

Passed

Apr 05, 2017

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c.1925 – 2006), UNTITLED, 1997, synthetic polymer paint on canvas

Deutscher and Hackett

Sold: AUD1,830

Apr 05, 2017

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c.1925 – 2006), BUSH POTATO, 1997, synthetic polymer paint on canvas

Deutscher and Hackett

Sold: AUD4,026

Apr 05, 2017

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA, (c.1925 – 2006), WARNA (SNAKE), 1997, synthetic polymer paint on linen

Deutscher and Hackett

Sold: AUD7,930

Feb 26, 2017

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA (c.1925-2006) Bush Potato acrylic on canvas

Leonard Joel

Sold: AUD500

Dec 11, 2016

Lorna Fencer Napurrula Kangaroo Tucker Acrylic On Canvas 87cm x 60cm

Pottle Auctions

Sold: AUD125

Jun 05, 2016

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA ‘YARLA’ BUSH YAM

Leonard Joel

Passed

Dec 01, 2015

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA (c.1925-2006) ‘BUSH POTATO’ Acrylic on canvas. 122 x 51cm.

Raffan Kelaher & Thomas

Sold: AUD170

Jul 21, 2015

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA circa 1924-2006 Caterpillar synthetic polymer paint on canvas

Smith & Singer

Sold: AUD300

Jun 30, 2015

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA (c.1925-2006) ‘BUSH POTATO’ Acrylic on canvas. 122 x 51cm.

Raffan Kelaher & Thomas

Sold: AUD140

Mar 31, 2015

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA (c.1925-2006) ‘BUSH POTATO’ Acrylic on canvas. 122 x 51cm.

Raffan Kelaher & Thomas

Sold: AUD150

Mar 24, 2013

Lorna Fencer Napurrula (circa 1920-2006)

Bonhams

Passed

Nov 25, 2012

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA LUJU DREAMING 2002

Aboriginal Gallery of Dreamings

Passed

Nov 25, 2012

LORNA FENCER NAPURRULA CATERPILLAR DREAMING 2002

Aboriginal Gallery of Dreamings

Passed

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