Francis Dolby
1966 - Namarali - Wandjina spirit 2011- ochre on canvas
The iconic and instantly recognisable Wandjina can be seen in anthropological and art museum collections all over the world.
Wandjina Spirits unite the three Mowanjum language groups, Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal.
In 2000, Worrorra cultural leader Donny Woolagoodja designed an enormous Namarali Wandjina for the spectacular Sydney Olympics opening ceremony, reinvigorating international interest in Wandjina iconography.
Francis Dolby is a painter, printmaker and boab nut carver. He says that 'I mainly watched the old people carve and wanted to be like them, a carver'. He says that his practice connects him to the Wandjina and his Country, and makes him feel strong and proud.
© Francis Dolby and Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre, Derby