Paddy Fordham Wainbarranga

D. O. B. –  c 1932

Tribe – Rembarrnga

Region – Jarruluk (Beswick, N.T.)

Paddy Fordham Wainburranga’s paintings and carved balangjarngalain spirit figures are without parallel. The loose fluidity of line and form - in two or three dimensions - defies standard conventions. The borders of his paintings on bark and canvas are often crooked, the paint rough and unfinished but an impressive, gestural power dominates each painting.

Paddy's unique depiction of the Mimi Spirit is the centre piece for most of his paintings. He often paints a dancing Mimi Man, which he says is a good Mimi, he looks over the land as a protector, and only comes out at night. The Mimi is not visible during the day.

Paddy Fordham Wainburranga is included in the collections of the National Gallery Canberra, National Gallery of Northern Territory and many other public and private collections round the world. In 1993 Wainburranga’s painting Eagle Hawk and Crow won the National Aboriginal art award.

Paddy passed away in June 2006 .