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Lot 24

Alec Mingelmanganu
(circa 1905-1981)
Wanjinas, c.1980

22 July 2020, 18:00 AEST

Sydney

Sold for AU$10,980 inc. premium

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Alec Mingelmanganu (circa 1905-1981)

Wanjinas, c.1980
inscribed verso: 'ALEC'
natural earth pigments on engraved wood
12.5 x 42.0cm (4 15/16 x 16 9/16in).

Footnotes

PROVENANCE
Private collection, Perth
Private collection, Perth

Produced between 1978 and 1980, the engraved plaques of Alec Mingelmanganu are rare. Though much smaller in scale than the bark paintings and canvases, the full-bodied wanjinas in this example nonetheless omit a powerful presence. The dark, close-set eyes are asking the viewer to engage directly and deeply on a spiritual level. This particular form of wanjina is the bringer of rain and is responsible for maintaining the fertility of the land and natural species. The radiating white lines surrounding the wanjina's head can be interpreted as feathers or lightning. The repeated vertical lines covering the body of the Wanjina are ceremonial body paint designs and are also intended to give the figure a shimmering effect to reflect its spiritual nature. The band around the waist is likely a hair-string belt.

Mingelmanganu's works are held in several public collections, including the Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth, the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra and the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne.

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