Jack Dale Mengenen facts for kids

Jack Dale Mengenen (born around 1922 – died February 8, 2013) was an amazing Indigenous Australian artist and storyteller. He was a "custodian" of the old traditions, stories, and beliefs of his Ngarinyin people. They lived in the beautiful Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges in the Kimberley area of Western Australia. Jack Dale Mengenen worked hard to keep the special Dreaming stories of the Ngarinyin people alive through his art.

Early Life and Adventures

Jack Dale Mengenen was likely born around 1922. This happened at Mount House Station in the eastern Kimberley region of Western Australia. His father, also named Jack Dale, was from Scotland. His mother, Moddera, was an Indigenous Aboriginal woman. She belonged to the Komaduwah clan. This clan traditionally lived on the land that became the Mount House Pastoral Lease.

Jack had a tough childhood. After his father died, Jack and his Ngarinyin mother, Moddera, moved into the rural Kimberley. His mother raised him with traditional Indigenous customs. He avoided Australian authorities. They would have sent him to government schools. In 1942, Jack Dale Mengenen survived the Japanese attack on Broome, Western Australia. He narrowly escaped being shot by a plane. Sadly, his friend was killed in that raid.

Working as a Stockman

Before becoming an artist, Jack worked on many cattle stations. He worked on forty-six different stations across Western Australia. He was a station worker and a skilled stockman. He didn't start painting until he retired from this work.

Other famous Indigenous Australian artists also began their art careers after working with cattle. These included Paddy Bedford, Jack Britten, Queenie McKenzie, and Rover Thomas. This shows a common path for many talented artists from the region.

Becoming an Artist

In 2000, an art dealer named Neil McLeod met Jack. Neil was from the Burrinja Gallery in Melbourne. He encouraged Jack Dale Mengenen to start creating art. This art would be based on his life and his Ngarinyin culture.

Jack traveled to Melbourne in March 2000 to meet with McLeod. This was the very first time Jack had ever left Western Australia. Through working with McLeod, Jack created hundreds of paintings and other artworks. They became close friends during this time.

Exhibitions and Collections

Jack Dale Mengenen's first solo art show happened in 2000. It was held at the Flinders Lane Gallery in Melbourne. His artworks are now in many public and private collections around the world.

Some places where you can see his work include the National Museum of Australia. You can also find his art at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. The National Parliament Collection in Canberra also has his pieces. A big exhibition of his art was also held at the Yapa Gallery in Paris, France.

Later Life and Legacy

Jack Dale Mengenen faced some health challenges. He survived two major strokes in 2008. After this, he was admitted to a nursing home in Derby. People didn't expect him to paint again. However, he made an amazing recovery.

In 2012, he created some of his best work. He did this with his fellow artist and friend, Mark Norval. These new paintings were shown at Sydney's Kate Owen Gallery in November 2012.

Jack Dale Mengenen passed away in Derby, Western Australia, on February 8, 2013. He was 92 years old. He is buried at the Derby cemetery. He left behind his wife, Biddy Dale, and his daughter, Edna Dale. Both of them are also artists living in the Kimberley region. His legacy lives on through his art and his family.