Love Magic by Mitjili Napanangka Gibson, 76x122cm
Love Magic (76 x 122 cm) by Mitjili Napanangka Gibson
Love Magic by Mitjili Napanangka Gibson is a powerful depiction of a sacred Dreaming story tied to love and desire. This painting illustrates the ancient love magic ceremony, in which a Tjapangardi man spins a hairstring, singing the name of the woman he longs for. The women of the Napanangka and Napangardi sub-section groups are shown performing a traditional dance, invoking the energy of this love story through ceremonial movement and song.
A Sacred Landscape: Wilkinkarra
The setting for this Dreaming narrative is Mitjili’s father’s Country, a striking landscape of low outcrops of oxide sandstone, gibbered claypans, and rolling sandhills. Located within the Wilkinkarra district, between Wirnparrku and Kirrikurra, this land is covered in golden spinifex and holds deep ancestral significance. It was in this remote region that Mitjili’s father first encountered Europeans on horseback, marking a pivotal moment in the history of her people.
Mitjili Napanangka Gibson: A Legacy in Art and Film
Born in Winparrku in the Western Desert in 1932, Mitjili Napanangka Gibson (1932–2011) was a highly respected Indigenous Australian artist and actress. She began painting after observing her niece, Dorothy Napangardi, who was already an acclaimed artist. Mitjili’s distinct artistic style quickly gained recognition, with her works featured at the 2007 Melbourne and Sydney Art Fairs. In 2009, she was shortlisted for the prestigious Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, cementing her place as an influential contemporary Indigenous artist.
Beyond her visual art, Mitjili was also recognised for her contributions to Australian cinema. She played Delilah's Nana in Warwick Thornton’s award-winning film Samson and Delilah (2009), a performance that earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the 2009 AFI Awards. She had previously starred in Thornton’s short film Nana, where she played the title role.
A Lasting Cultural and Artistic Influence
Mitjili Napanangka Gibson’s artworks are deeply rooted in cultural heritage, ceremonial traditions, and her connection to Country. Her paintings remain highly sought after, celebrated for their bold compositions, rich storytelling, and dynamic movement. Whether through her art or film performances, Mitjili’s legacy continues to honour the strength of Indigenous culture, kinship, and the sacred Dreaming stories of the Western Desert