"Bush Medicine Leaves" By Nyrulla Possum Burns

Artist: Nyrulla Possum Burns

Size (H x W): 114 x 97 cm

This painting represents the leaves of a bush medicine plant found in the Utopia region of Central Australia. Traditionally collected by women, these leaves are known for their powerful healing properties and play an important role in Aboriginal bush medicine. Depending on how they are prepared, the leaves can be used to treat colds, headaches, skin conditions, and joint pain — knowledge that has been carefully passed down through generations.

Artists paint the leaves with flowing lines and layered textures to capture their movement as they fall gently to the ground.

About the Artist – Nyrulla Possum Burns

Nyrulla Possum Burns is a proud Indigenous artist and the daughter of Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi, one of Australia’s most celebrated First Nations artists. Her family has a strong artistic legacy - Nyrulla is also the granddaughter of the iconic Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri and Emily Nakamarra Possum, a respected Luritja woman.

From a young age, Nyrulla painted alongside her mother, learning both the cultural knowledge and storytelling that guide her work. Her paintings are known for their precision and cultural depth, and her Seven Sisters Dreaming pieces are highly sought after across the world.

The Seven Sisters Dreaming is a powerful story passed down through her grandmothers and mothers, and Nyrulla continues to paint it with respect and care.

Today, Nyrulla lives and works in Melbourne, close to her family, continuing a tradition of art that speaks to Country, culture, and kinship.