Madigan Thomas

Age : 77 years approx Language : Kija Sub Section : Nyowooroo

Madigan was born in the Violet Valley area of the major East Kimberley pastoral lease, Mabel Downs Cattle Station. She lived there until her relocation to the nearby Warmun Community at Turkey Creek, when it was established some years ago. Although she did not paint until relatively late in life, it was her association with artists such as Jack Britten and Rover Thomas, (no relation), her profound love of her native country, and her interest in using the locally found ochres which provided the catalyst for her to become an accomplished traditional artist. Dreamtime stories abound in the Kija people's world and Madigan is never short of material to commit to canvas. When not plying her art she and husband Bilinji, go hunting for goanna, wallaby, fish, or the sweet nest, (sugarbag) of the bush bee, or interacting with their many children, and kangai, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

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