Wilkinkarra (Lake MacKay) by Mitjili Napanangka Gibson and Cindy Nakamarra Gibson 85x140cm

Wilkinkarra (Lake MacKay) by Mitjili Napanangka Gibson collaboration with daughter Cindy Nakamarra Gibson, 85x140cm

In this collaborative painting between Mitjili and her daughter Cindy Nakamarra Gibson, they visualise the islands in Lake MacKay - Wilkinkarra - where people such as Mitjili's father (Tjapangardi) and her sisters (Napanangkas) would camp on the islands in the lake (Walatu) and then go away from the islands into the surrounding land to hunt. Some of the smaller eliftireal shapes represent sleeping holes on the ground that they would scoop out as to get away from the cold winter winds.

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