Wakirlipirri (Dogwood Tree) '03 by Liddy Napanangka Walker, 46x30cm

Wakirlipirri (Dogwood Tree) '03 by Liddy Napanangka Walker is a captivating representation of the Wakirlpirri tree, central to the cultural and spiritual life of the Napanangka and Napangardi women, who are custodians of this Dreaming. The painting features oval shapes symbolising coolamons, traditional food carriers used by women to gather seeds from the Wakirlpirri tree, which are then transformed into a sweet drink. The sinuous lines in the artwork represent snake vine, a plant used to attach ceremonial poles to the body during sacred dances. Circles within the painting depict mulga trees, which are essential for making Witi poles.

Born in 1925 at Mt Doreen, Liddy Napanangka Walker spent her early years in bush camps before settling in Yuendumu, a remote Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory. She became a significant member of the Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation, beginning her painting career in 1985. Liddy's artwork is deeply rooted in her heritage, as she painted her father's and grandfather's Jukurrpa (Dreaming) stories, passed down through generations. These stories, including the Warna (Snake) and Wakirlpirri (Acacia Seed) Dreamings, are intimately tied to her land. Liddy’s work, including her collaboration on "Bean Dreaming 1985," has been recognised by prestigious institutions like the National Gallery of Australia. Provenance is Warlukurlangu Artists #970/03.