May Yamangarra
Ramingining, NT
This piece shows respect to May Yamangarra's father, David Malangi Daymirringu (1927–1999). His artwork was featured on the now extinct Australian one-dollar note. These feather fans are ceremonial objects like her father used to make.
About the Artist
May Yamangarra is a Manharrngu artist who lives and works in Ramingining in Central Arnhem Land. She was born in 1970 to renowned artists Dr David Malangi Daymirringu (1927�1999) and Elsie Ganbada (1936�1984).
May�s father, Dr Malangi, was a significant and respected artist who shared stories from the Manharrngu clan � the people of the mangroves. He is remembered for many things including his impact on the acknowledgement of Aboriginal artists� copyright. In 1966, his artwork was reproduced without his knowledge, consent, or any acknowledgement, on the now obsolete one-dollar note. This dispute led to acknowledgement of his copyright and remuneration, and supported other artists� fight for recognition.
May was taught the art of painting as a teenager by her father. It was through helping her father with some of his Gunmirringu paintings, and then gradually painting the background rarrk on her father�s works, that this knowledge was passed down. She continues in his footsteps, creating artworks that tell the same important stories.
May�s father, Dr Malangi, won the Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award at the 1992 Telstra NATSIAA. In 2022, she was selected as Telstra NATSIAA finalist in the same category.
