Where you see a lot of Wandjinas they represent the laws of trees, rivers, rocks, bush fruit, animals and all of creation. The Wandjinas give the law on how we have to treat and use these creations. These customs are carried on today. The Wandjina spirits are highly respected by the Worrora, Ngarinyin and Wunumbul people who live at Mowanjum and up the Gibb River Road to Kalumburru in the North West Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Name: Edna Dale
Language: Ngarinyin
Community: Imintji
Biography:
Edna Dale is a Ngarinyin woman and chairperson of Imintji Community, where she lives with her husband Lance Bedford and their seven daughters. Edna is the daughter of famous Kimberley artist Jack Dale Mengenen (dec 1920-2013). Growing up she spent much of her time by her fathers side traveling their country, watching him paint and tell stories.
Edna has her own distinct style however her elongated wandjina figures and minimalist aesthetic are a clear departure from the imagery of her father.
Edna's father also taught her the Law, and showed her the many cave sites that are sacred to Ngarinyin people, especially around Imintji, on the Gibb River Road.
Edna's husband Lance Bedford is the son of famous Gija painter Paddy Bedford and their oldest daughter, Petrina Bedford is also a talented emerging artist.
Exhibitions:
2016 Darwin Art Fair.
Kimberley Art Prize.
Mowanjum Festival.
2015 Darwin Art Fair.
Kimberley Art Prize.
Mowanjum Festival.
2014 Darwin Art Fair.
Kimberley Art Prize.
Mowanjum Festival.
2013 Darwin Art Fair.
Kimberley Art Prize.
Mowanjum Festival.
Revealed, Fremantle Arts Centre.
2012 Darwin Art Fair.
Kimberley Art Prize.
Mowanjum Festival.
Jarlarloyni Jarlarloyni is a female Wandjina that married Namarali one of the main three Wandjinas that created the laws, country and language for the Ngarinyin, Worrorra, and Wunumbal people. Namarali was originally from Ngarinyin country Read more…
Jilinya (first bush woman) This Painting represents the Jilinya. She captures the eyes of young and old men and then lures them by giving them whatever they wish to hunt or fish. She then lures Read more…
Argula (ghost spirit) The name Argula describes a number of ghost-like spirits. Some of them are Jilinya who are seductive Jindiwan (men) and Ngindiwan (women) who steal women, men and babies. There are also some Read more…