Jean Rangi Australian, Nyikina/Walmajarri, b. 1934

Jean Rangi was born at Old Cherrabun Station near the Fitzroy River. Her mother and father came out from the desert before she was born. Jeani grew up with one sister and two brothers though they have since passed away. She has two daughters and three sons who all live in Fitzroy Crossing. Her parents used to take her hunting when she was young and teach her how to live off the land.

 

Jean is a Walmajarri woman who lives in Mindi Rardi Community and paints at Mangkaja Arts Resource Centre. She paints her country, which keeps her memories strong. While she paints, she remembers how they lived, hunting for food and living off the land.

 

Jean also paints her mother and father's country from stories she was told about how they walked out from the desert and into the cattle country where they worked for the kartiya (white people).