Angilyiya Mitchell
Angilyiya Mitchell, an acclaimed artist associated with Papulankutja Artists, was born near the Blackstone Ranges in Emu Country. As a senior caretaker of significant women's Dreaming places, particularly those tied to the Seven Sisters story, Angilyiya holds profound traditional knowledge and bush skills, which she passionately shares with her community.
Cultural Heritage and Family Background
- Birthplace: Near Blackstone Ranges in Emu Country
- Heritage: Senior caretaker of significant women's Dreaming places related to the Seven Sisters story
- Family: Daughter of the third wife among four, sharing her father with Anawari Inpiti Mitchell. Married to Andrew Mitchell.
Artistic Journey and Contributions Angilyiya's artistic career began in 1994, and she has since become a prolific painter, printmaker, and wood carver. Her creations include punu (small wood sculptures) and wira (bowls). Additionally, she crafts bush medicines, using camel fat sourced from feral camel management contractors. Her diverse talents and dedication to her craft have made her a significant figure in Aboriginal art.
Teaching and Mentorship A dedicated teacher and mentor, Angilyiya collaborates with the local Land Management team to impart her extensive knowledge of ethnobotany, rockholes, and Tjukurrpa (ancestral creation) stories. She emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage, declaring herself as "the only one left to teach young people."
Involvement in Broader Artistic and Cultural Initiatives
- NPY Women’s Council and Tjanpi Desert Weavers (TDW): Angilyiya creates sculptural objects like baskets and animal figures from local grasses, raffia, and wool.
- National Recognition: Contributed to the creation of a grass Toyota, which won first prize at the 2005 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art (NATSIA) Awards. This piece, created by 18 women from Papulankutja, is now part of the Museum and Art Gallery NT's permanent collection.
Significant Exhibitions Angilyiya participated in the Seven Sisters Songline, creating a tjanpi female sculptural figure for the National Museum of Australia's Songlines exhibition. This exhibition featured both physical sculptures and digitized characters, highlighting her enduring impact on preserving and sharing Aboriginal culture.
Angilyiya Mitchell's contributions to art and cultural preservation are widely recognised, making her a vital figure in the continuation and celebration of Aboriginal traditions. Her work not only showcases her artistic prowess but also her commitment to educating and inspiring future generations.
