Language Group: Warlpiri
Born: 1952 Pikilyi

Dorothy began painting in 1987 at the “Centre for Aboriginal Artists. Her initial works were highly influenced by Eunice Napangardi in particular, as they share a number of stories, close friends and are of the same skin group and both paint Bush Banana Dreaming.
Born in 1952, Dorothy comes from Pikilyi, which is situated approximately 400 km north west of Alice Springs. Living a traditional life style until the early 1960’s when her family group walked in to the pastoralist station of Mt Doreen. Holding a senior position in the field of traditional law within the Warlpiri society, Dorothy’s works play an integral role in the preservation and communication of her Dreamings. When painting Women’s Dreamings she refers to the Mina Mina site, which is a highly significant site as it is recognized as the point of origin for Karntakurlangu Jukurrpa (Women’s Dreaming) for both the Kukuja and Warlpiri. Containing two large clay pans and numerous water soakages the land is relatively fertile. It is also thought to be the place where the digging sticks originated, emerging from the ground during the era of creation.
In 1991 Dorothy won the Museum’s and Art Gallery’s Award for the best artwork in Western Media at the National Aboriginal Art Award. This work is now part of a permanent collection for the Museum and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory. In 2001 Dorothy won the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award. She passed away in June 2013. Dorothy was killed in a car accident in June 2103.

About Painting - Mina Mina
This painting depicts a major Women’s Ceremonial Site at Mina Mina. It was here during the Dreaming that Women gathered to collect ceremonial digging sticks (kurduru) that emerged from the ground before proceeding east to Janyinki. A large group of mulga trees now stand where these digging sticks once stood.