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Rock Spirits

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Rock Spirits - featuring two unique artists Edward Blitner and Paddy Fordham Wainburranga

Rock Spirits is a collection of paintings inspired by the illustration of Mimi Spirits and two unique Aboriginal artists, Edward Blitner and Paddy Fordham Wainburranga.The Mimi Spirit's are tall, thin beings that live in the rocky escarpment of northern Australia. Before the coming of Aboriginal people they had human forms. Mimi Spirits are generally harmless but on occasions can be mischievous. 'They blow on the crevices of rocks, which open and allow them to slip inside. They live inside the rocks, where they carry on their daily life and ceremonies, speaking the same language and bound together by the same system of kinship as the local Aboriginal community. Mimi spirits are often consulted by elders, who can see them and know the Mimis' songs and dances.' (Martin 1998, p.4)The tradition of painting Mimi Spirits is believed to have started in the freshwater period (1200 KYA ). Later paintings can be seen at various rock and cave sites and on bark artifacts in western Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park. Their depiction is often stylised to evoke awareness that they are free moving, dancing and active spirits. In the case of Mimi Spirits, it is said that when Aboriginal people first came to northern Australia, these mystic beings taught them how to hunt and cook kangaroos and other animals. They also did the first rock paintings and taught Aboriginal people how to paint.Edward Blitner is from Naiyarlindji country and lived for many years at the Ngukurr Community (now called Yugul Mangl) on the Roper River in the Northern Territory. Edward paints the Mimi Spirits and learnt painting from his grandfather who painted on bark with natural ochre. While working on a particular painting, he would recount the Dreaming stories and teach the children appropriate songs and dance cycles.Paddy Fordham Wainburranga (now deceased) a renowned senior artist, traditional dancer and didgeridoo player is a one of the great storytellers of Aboriginal culture. He was born in his father’s country between Katherine and Southern Arnhem Land in 1936. Paddy emerged as a gifted artist for his large narrative depictions of traditional Rembarrnga mythologies including the Mimi spirits. His later style is bold and individual, notable for its raw vigour.From Sabine: 'I didn’t know Paddy Fordham Wainburranga very well, but felt very connected to his work. He had a good sense of humor and was a great story teller, as well as being one of the best didgeridoo players I have listened too. He truly was an inspiration and an Aboriginal ambassador. Edward (Eddie) Blitner is also an inspiration. His love for his country is admiring. Eddie goes on walkout, often not seen for many months. He truly is an artist and we thank him for sharing with us the significant stories associated with rock art. I hope you enjoy this exhibition.'

Yours Sincerely, Sabine

References:

Diversity - A Celebration of Art and Culture An Education Kit for the Yiribana Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Gallery. Prepared by Angela Martin, Museum Educator, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. 1998. p.4

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