Lajamanu, Northern Territory

As part of the first Milpirri performance in 2005 the idea of painting a series of large-scale paintings as a backdrop to the performance arose. The concept was to collect a dreaming design for each family group in Lajamanu. The paintings or banners would then act as a kind of coat of arms symbolising the importance of everyone placed within Milpirri. Designs for sixteen banners were collected and painted that year. In Milpirri 2012 a further eleven designs were added.

The way the banners are painted originates from a 1989 Visual Arts Residency in the community where Freddy Jangala Patrick and Tim Newth collaborated. They developed a style which can be see on the 1989 water tank mural and in 1994 it was again utilised to create backdrops for the performance Lajamanu Kurra Karna Yani.
 

“Mural three on the small water tank beside the Wulaign out-station resource centre came out of the old men standing around watching the women paint, making sure they got it right. So on the Wednesday morning there was much talk followed by me being asked if I had a car. One man took me that morning to see trees, tracks, water holes; it is to here that the young people who are being born belong, their dreaming places. On our return, later that day there was some heated discussion on who should paint …

In the end, the old ‘Jangala’ decided he and I should paint and so that is what is happening, and although I don’t know what it means in the context of the world for me to be painting, the experience is one of the most rewarding so far, with each brush-stroke containing layers of meaning.”

Notes from Tim Newth's Diary

Creative Personal

Banner Designs: Joe Japanangka James, Jerry Jangala Patrick, Teddy Jupurrula Morrison, Myra Nungarrayi Herbert, Gladys Napangardi Kelly, Tim Jupurrula Kennedy, Peter Japanangka Dixon, Lindsay Jungarrayi Herbert, Leslie Jampijinpa Robertson, Norman Jampijinpa Kelly, Dick Japaljarri Raymond, Jacko Jakamarra Gordon, Thomas Jangala Sampson, Marcus (Paku Paku) Lawson, Victor Jupurrula Simons, Robin Lawson, Molly Napurrurla Tasman, Rosie Napurrurla Tasman, Biddy Nungarrayi Long Anderson, Judy Napangardi Martin, Liddy Nampijinpa Miller

Painted by: Tim Newth, David McMicken, (Lance) Alan Box (2005) and many members of the Milpirri team and Lajamanu community

Milpirri Creative Director: Steve Wanta Jampijinpa Patrick
Milpirri Artistic Directors: Tim Newth, David McMicken

Thank You

Milpirri Governing Body: Geoffrey Jungarrayi Barnes, Roger Japaljarri Jurrah, Stephen Japanangka Dixon, Minawara (Steven) Jupurrula Morton, Steven Wanta Jampijinpa Patrick, Peter Jangala Jigili, Lynette Napangardi Tasman, Noressa Napurrurla White, Doris Nakamarra Lewis, Laura Nakamarra Lewis, Annette Nampijinpa Patrick

Rob Chapman - Governance Project Coordinator, Central Land Council, Michael and staff -Lajamanu Shire workshop, Louisa and staff - Warnayaka Arts Centre, Richard - school workshop, Jim and staff - Lajamanu Progress Association

Sponsors

Lajamanu Progress Aboriginal Corporation

Funding Bodies

Tracks Inc is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body; and is proudly sponsored by the Northern Territory Government.

Tracks 2012

Artistic Co-Directors: David McMicken and Tim Newth
General Manager: Susan Congreve
Administrator: Gail Evans
Production Manager: Kelly Blumberg
Dance Animateur: Jess Devereux
Bookkeeper: Heather Van Anholt
Committee Members: (Chair) David Taylor, (Vice-Chair) Jill MacAndrew, (Treasurer) Glenn Bernardin, (Secretary/Public Officer) Michael Grant, (Ordinary Committee Members) Ken Conway, Nick Papandonakis, Stephanie Cvirn, (Ex-Officio Members) David McMicken and Tim Newth

Public Fund Trustees: Rev. Steve Orme, Dr Anita Toth, Ippei Okazaki

Patron: Her Honour the Honourable Sally Thomas AM, Administrator of the Northern Territory