Biddy Rockman Napaljarri facts for kids

Biddy Rockman Napaljarri is an Indigenous artist from Australia. She was born around 1940. Biddy speaks the Walpiri language. She comes from the Western Desert region. Biddy has been painting since 1986. Her artwork is displayed in important places like the National Gallery of Victoria.

About Biddy Rockman Napaljarri

Biddy Rockman Napaljarri is an Indigenous artist. She speaks the Walpiri language. She is from the Western Desert region. It is important not to confuse her with another artist named Biddy Napaljarri White, who was born in 1952.

Understanding Skin Names

'Napaljarri' is a special name. It is called a 'skin name'. Indigenous people in central Australia use these names. They help show how people are related. There are sixteen different skin names. These names help decide who can marry whom. They can also be linked to special animal or plant symbols. Skin names are used to address people. However, they are not like last names in European cultures. So, 'Biddy Rockman' is the part of her name that is unique to her.

Biddy's Early Life and Family

Biddy was born around 1940. This happened near a place called Mongrel Downs station. This area is in Western Australia. The exact year of her birth is not always clear. This is because Indigenous Australians often think about time differently. They might estimate dates by comparing them to other big events. Mongrel Downs station was later renamed Tanami Downs. This happened in the 1990s when it was returned to Indigenous ownership. This area is in the northwest of the Northern Territory. It is right on the border with Western Australia.

Biddy was one of six children. Her mother was Milkila Jungarayi. Her sisters, Mona Rockman Napaljarri and Peggy Rockman Napaljarri, are also artists. Biddy Rockman is recognized as one of the traditional owners of the Tanami Downs land. This is under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976. By 2004, she was living in Katherine, Northern Territory.

Biddy's Art Journey

The Start of Western Desert Art

Modern Indigenous art from the Western Desert began in 1971. Indigenous men at Papunya started painting. A teacher named Geoffrey Bardon helped them. They used acrylic paints. Their art showed designs from body painting and ground sculptures. This style quickly spread across central Australia. A government art program started in 1983. This helped the art become even more popular. By the 1980s and 1990s, this art was shown all over the world.

At first, only men painted. The first artists, including those who started the Papunya Tula artists' company, were all men. Some Pintupi men in central Australia did not want women to paint. But many women wanted to join in. In the 1990s, many women began creating paintings. In communities like Kintore, Yuendumu, Balgo, and on the outstations, people started making art specifically to sell and show.

Biddy's Painting Career

Biddy Rockman began painting in 1986. She started at Lajamanu, Northern Territory. This place is in the central desert, west of Tennant Creek. Western Desert artists often paint special 'dreamings'. These are stories that they have a personal connection to. They might have rights or responsibilities for these stories.

In 1994, a survey of artists identified Biddy's country as Jarlawangu. It also noted that she painted Ngatijirri (budgerigar) and Warna dreamings. These stories belong to Napaljarri and Nungarrayi women.

Where to See Biddy's Art

Biddy Rockman's paintings are held by major art institutions. These include the National Gallery of Victoria. Her works are also part of important private collections. One such collection is Nangara, also known as the Ebes Collection.

Art Collections Featuring Biddy's Work

• National Gallery of Victoria
• Ebes Collection