Wilkinkarra (Lake MacKay), 2005 by Mitjili Napanangka Gibson 46x46cm
This painting is about a site within the Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay) district between Wirnparrku and Kirrakurra submerged in the sandhills among golden spinifex, where Mitjili's father first came into contact with Europeans on horseback.
First Contact with Europeans
Mitjili’s first recorded encounter with Europeans was in 1957, when she was around 18 years old. She was photographed by Donald Thomson, a renowned anthropologist and ornithologist, during his expedition into Central Australia. In his book, Mitjili appears as a young pregnant woman, holding her two-year-old son, Lyle, in her arms—a rare historical insight into her early life.
A Skilled Tracker and Cultural Knowledge Keeper
Beyond her artistic achievements, Mitjili was widely respected for her extraordinary tracking skills. Throughout her life, she was frequently called upon by conservationists, biologists, zoologists, and botanists to help locate endangered species and document the native flora and fauna of the Western Desert. She was also in high demand as a teacher of traditional bushcraft, passing down vital survival skills to younger generations and researchers alike.
A Legacy Rooted in Culture and Country
Mitjili Napanangka Gibson’s lifelong connection to Country is beautifully reflected in her artwork, which continues to be highly sought after for its bold compositions, cultural depth, and storytelling traditions. Whether through her paintings, tracking expertise, or community leadership, she remained a guardian of knowledge, ensuring that the Dreaming stories, landscapes, and traditions of her people endure for future generations