About the Artist

Judith Young is a proud Waradgerie woman from the Narrandera Sandhills, celebrated for her evocative watercolour paintings that depict the lived experiences of Mission Life. Inspired by archival photographs and historical narratives, she breathes vibrant colour and emotion into black and white imagery, reconnecting past and present through her art. Her deeply personal work serves as a tribute to the resilience and strength of Aboriginal families, resonating with those who share similar histories and connections to Country.

Raised in Melbourne, Judith maintained a strong bond with her ancestral homeland, frequently returning to the Murrumbidgee River and Narrandera Sandhills with her family. She comes from a long lineage of Waradgerie artefact makers and artists—her father, a skilled artefact maker, taught her and her siblings the traditional Waradgerie markings, burning them onto boomerangs and clapsticks, while her mother, a talented watercolour artist, painted landscapes and animals. These early influences shaped Judith’s artistic journey, guiding her ability to mix and blend colours and translate cultural memory into her paintings.

In 2008, Judith made the decision to pursue painting more seriously. By January 2009, she showcased her work at the Koori Night Market in Northcote, where she gained recognition from both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal audiences. Since then, she has exhibited and sold her work at major events, including the Koori Business Network Economic Development Conference, National Native Title Conference, and Ripple Effect Art Auction in Darebin. In August 2010, she was commissioned by the Nangnak wan Mveek Program – Austin Hospital to create a series of ten paintings, further establishing her reputation as an artist with a profound cultural and social impact.

Waluwin Birrang (Healing Journey)

Judith’s latest painting, Waluwin Birrang (Healing Journey), explores the spiritual and emotional pathways of healing. The piece represents movement through two bora grounds, transitioning from the bush to the beach. Through expressive flicking and releasing gestures, it symbolises the act of letting go in order to receive healing and renewal.

The painting is infused with the vibrant colours of creation, rich in blues and greens to represent the bush and the sea. These elements work in harmony to reflect the profound connection between Country, cultural practices, and the continuous journey of healing. The layered textures and fluid composition invite viewers to immerse themselves in the transformative power of nature and ancestral wisdom.