2006 Numbered Etching on Paper Australian Aboriginal Art by Betsy Lewis Napangardi

Description

2006, Australian, Betsy Lewis Napangardi (1940-2008), Framed Mina Mina Dreaming, etching on paper. Number 5 of 60 and pencil signed … more 2006, Australian, Betsy Lewis Napangardi (1940-2008), Framed Mina Mina Dreaming, etching on paper. Number 5 of 60 and pencil signed Betsy Lewis with embossed seal. Information on the back of the work from the Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Association and dated 1/11/2007, describes the story behind the work authenticates it.

Dimensions:
17.5"w x 23.5"h x 1.5"d (framed)
7.5"w x 13"h (sight)

Condition:
Good. Not examined out of frame. Shows well. Ready to hang.

Biography:
Betsy Lewis Napangardi was a traditional Warlpiri woman from the Yuendumu Community region. Betsy was born in the bush just west of Yuendumu in the 1940’s, this was before hospitals and health clinics were available and accessible in the area. Betsy moved to Mount Doreen Station with her family at a young age. She was raised by Paddy Japanangka Lewis and attended the Yuendumu School. She spent her life living in Yuendumu.

Betsy began painting full time in 1999 however she had been painting for Warlukurlangu Artists for some time before then. She was considered at the forefront of the move towards more abstract depictions of Aboriginal art however did maintain a strong connection to her Kurruwarri heritage. Her art is bright and textured with thick layers of paint. Some of her family members are also artists such as Margaret Lewis.

Betsy is known best for five Dreamtime depictions - Snake Vine, Women’s Dreaming, Edible Fungus, Dreaming Site and Dogwood. The story of Jintiparnta is of the Napangardi and Napanangka women who collect Jintiparnta or Edible Fungus at Karnakarlangu. The area is also known as Mina Mina. The ancestral women would travel from here heading north and east toward Janyinki and Alcoota country. The Mina Mina is a ceremonial place which belongs to the Japanangka and Japangardi men and the Napanangka and Napangardi women. Water soakages, sand hills and clay pans can be found throughout the area and the women would dance and perform ceremonies at key locations. It is said that because of these ceremonies digging sticks rose up out of the water and the women carried them throughout their journey. The women would dance and sing nonstop, never stopping for sleep. During the journey women would collect many bush foods in particular Jintiparnta.

Unfortunately Betsy passed away in February 2008. less