Judy Mengil Miriwoong Gadjerong, Australian, 1954-2016

Rich in painterly colour, Judy Mengil’s arts practice alludes to the explanations of natural

phenomena, the presence of Dreamings and the creation of geological landforms. The

Dreamtime narrative brings to life the creative energies that have shaped the artist’s Country

and reiterates for her the existence of a living spiritual presence.

Judy's images are often dominated by bold colour, strong forms and the vastness of her

Kimberley landscape. These themes are balanced with intricate details suggesting moving

water, the delicacy of lush and shady waterholes and freshwater springs surrounded by

waterlily.

Born on Newry Station, Judy grew up learning about station life and mostly worked in the

station house kitchen. After Newry Station, her mother and stepfather moved to Carlton Hill

Station where her mother worked in the kitchen. Judy watched all the older women working as

cooks and making breads. She also lived at Ivanhoe and Argyle Stations. In 1965 her mother

died and the Department of Welfare shifted Judy and her sister to Beagle Bay Mission. She

returned from the mission in 1971 and settled in Kununurra.

Judy had four children and seven grandchildren. She started painting in the mid 1990's

although only since 2002, did she make a serious commitment to becoming a "real" artist.

Judy painted her mother's Country around Binjin (Bucket Springs) now in the Keep River

National Park where she spends much of her time. She also painted the country of Mulligan

near Bullo River Station which is her father's Country. Paitning these places was her

commitment to keeping alive the stories she learnt. Understanding country and her family

relationship to that country was important knowledge that she passed onto her children and

grandchildren. Judy passed away in 2016.