Dogwood Tree Dreamingby Liddy Napanangka Walker

The main motive of this painting depicts the 'Wakirlpirri' (Dogwood Accia coracea) tree. 'Wakirlpirri' is a very useful tree that grows on the sides of the creek beds and near 'mulga' trees. The seed of this tree can be eaten raw or cooked on the fire. A deliciously sweet drink called 'yinjirrpi' is made from the seeds when they have been dried. The wood can be used to make weapons such as 'Karli' (boomerang) and dancing boards for ceremonies. It is also good wood for burningon the fire because rain cannot extingish burning Wakirlpirri wood. In contemporary Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa, particular sites and other elements. This Jukurrpa travels from Jarrarda-Jarrayi through to Puturla (Mount Theo) west of Yuendumu. This Jukurrpa belongs to Japanangka/Japangardi men and to Napanangka/ Napangardi women.

Artist:Liddy Napanangka Walker
Title:Dogwood Tree Dreaming
ID:933/11
Medium:Acrylic on Belgian Linen
Size:183 x 122 cm
Region:Yuendumu, Central Australia

Artist

Liddy Napanangka Walker was born in 1925 at Mt Doreen. She spent her youth living with her family in bush camps. She has lived in the Warlpiri community of Yuendumu, 300km Northwest of Alice Springs, since it was first established.
During this time she has worked in the community in various pastoral care roles. Liddy started painting on canvas not long after Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Association was established and is now one of its most senior members. She is a part of a group of senior women artists who have come to be thought of as `Painting' Divas from the Desert'.
Her works are highly dynamic and textural and conform to the strong colour.palette associated with Yuendumu`s regional style of painting. Liddy paints her father Japangardi's Dreaming from Mt Theo county as well as her grandfather's Dreaming. Liddy paints Dreamings which include the bush tomato, goanna, seed pods, bush potato and the hoping mouse.

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