Lot 35: MANDIDJA (MANDIDI) CIRCA 1900-1963

UNTITLED (NAMARNDE SPIRITS COPULATING)

MEASUREMENTS

65 by 31.5 cm

Bears title and size inscribed on reverse together with title and a description of the story depicted on label attached to the reverse
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark

PROVENANCE
Painted in Western Arnhem Land Private collection, Sydney Cf. A painting by the artist where the figure is treated in a similar fashion, with lines of dots decorating the white body entitled 'Child-carrying Namarnde' is illustrated in Bennett, L., and Osutoraria Mikai Bijutsu, Art of the Dreamtime: The Dorothy Bennett Collection of Australian Aboriginal Art, Kodansha, Tokyo, 1970, on p.32, plate 17; for another two paintings by the artist in the collection of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, listed as 'Artist Unknown', see Perkins, H. et al, Crossing Country: The Alchemy of Western Arnhem Land Art, Art Gallery of New South Wales, p.43 Mandidja came from the East Alligator River area, he walked to Maranbuy Station and then to Katherine (Pine Creek) and during World War II he helped build the airstrip and air force base at Katherine. Although he had much contact with Europeans, and was said to be a cheerful and gregarious character, his command of the English language was limited The label on the reverse reads; 'Nulgoorook was a "clever man" a medicine man who looked after some sacred sites and ancient painted designs in caves. He was also a creator being of certain small animals and bush medicine'