Marrawuddi - Melchizedek Maralngurra, Mimih Spirit) (Acrylic on Wood) 53cm

Artist - Melchizedek Maralngurra

Catalogue #731-24
Size 53cm

Aboriginal people of western Arnhem Land say that their Mimih rock pictures were painted not by humans but by the Mimih spirits. The drawings, usually in red ochre, show elegant, graceful stick-like human figures in action - fighting, running, dancing, leaping and hunting , preparing meat and using fire.

The Mimih live in the nooks and crannies of the rocky landscape, coming out at night. They are said to be so thin and frail that they can emerge from their hiding places only when there is no wind, otherwise they would be blown away. The Mimih not only created these lively self-portraits, but also are the Dreaming ancestors who taught people to paint, hunt, dance and compose songs.

They are like humans but they live in a different dimension. They were depicted during the freshwater period. The Mimih are dangerous if approached the wrong way, may kick, knee, slap, smash with a racket like object or sit on someone; which causes sometimes fatal injuries.

Artist bio:

My Grandfather taught me how to paint, Timmy. My other grandfather, Nataneal he is famous arsts, from Kudjekbinj, I follow his footsteps. Johnny Guymala is my great gandfather, he's a good arst too. I love painng and doing artwork, kangaroo, wallaby, everything.

Mel Maralngurra, 2021