Dorothy Napangardi

Dorothy Napangardi (1950 – 2013) is a celebrated Australian contemporary Indigenous artist from Yuendumu in the Tanami Desert region of Central Australia, 293 km northwest of Alice Springs. Dorothy tragically died in a car accident near Alice Springs while on a hunting trip, on 1st June 2013.

Dorothy was known for her love of hunting and being in her country “Mina Mina”. She loved to look and listen to her land, which greatly inspired her paintings. Through painting and art, Dorothy explained that she felt a closer connection to her country and ancestors.

Dorothy’s subject “Mina Mina” represents her stories and significant ceremonial sites in her land. Many Dreaming stories are associated with this country “Mina Mina”.

She had great success both in Australia and overseas. Some of her many achievements include winning the Best Painting in European Media 1991, 8th National Aboriginal Art Award; in 1998 the Northern Territory Art Award; and she was “Highly Commended” for the 16th National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award in 1999. In 2001 Dorothy won the 18th National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award, presented by Telstra, with her spectacular black and white painting titled, “Salt on Mina Mina”.