Beyond Mina Mina - Bilby Dreaming (My Father's Country), 2006 by Dorothy Napangardi 244x168cm 9702DN

Beyond Mina Mina - Bilby Dreaming (My Father's Country), 2006 by Dorothy Napangardi

"Beyond Mina Mina - Bilby Dreaming (My Father's Country)," created in 2006 by Dorothy Napangardi, tells a profound story about her heritage, her family, and their ancestral lands.

Cultural and Personal Significance

"Beyond Mina Mina" refers to the claypans west of Mina Mina, Dorothy's actual conception site. The Bilby Dreaming was passed down to her by her father, Paddy Lewis, during their shared journey back to their ancestral lands. Unable to reach this sacred site in person, Paddy conveyed its significance through painting it on canvas for Dorothy. This transfer of knowledge through art underscores the deep connection between Dorothy, her father, and their cultural heritage.

Artistic Influence and Legacy

Paddy's influence is evident in this series of Bilby paintings, which exude strength and joy. The collaboration between Paddy and Dorothy is palpable as he teaches her the songs associated with the travels of the Bilby during the creation era. Paddy's love for colour contrasts with Dorothy's exploration of a more minimalist palette, yet she is also known for her beautiful use of colour in her early works. One such painting earned her the Best Painting in Western Media at the 1991 Telstra Aboriginal Art Award, and she won the overall category a decade later in 2001. This particular painting features Dorothy's signature delicate application of dots, embodying the spirit of two people united in their devotion to an important cultural symbol—the Bilby.

Bilby in Aboriginal Culture

Bilbies have coexisted with Aboriginal Australians for over 60,000 years. However, since European settlement, the Bilby has been pushed to the brink of extinction. Originally, there were two species of Bilby, but the Lesser Bilby (Macrotis leucura) is believed to have become extinct in the early 1950s, leaving only the Greater Bilby, now commonly referred to simply as "the Bilby."

Art and Heritage

"Beyond Mina Mina - Bilby Dreaming (My Father's Country)" is more than a painting; it's a celebration of cultural heritage, familial bonds, and the enduring spirit of the Bilby.