According to the Kunwinjku people of West Arnhem Land, Mimih spirits were the original spirit beings, who taught Aboriginal people many of the skills they needed to survive in the bush. They also taught aspects of ceremony. Mimih spirits are believed to inhabit the rocky escarpments around Gunbalanya but because they are extremely timid, they are rarely seen by humans. They are frequently depicted in the rock art of Arnhem Land as small, dynamic figures, often shown with a range of hunting tools such as spears, spear throwers, dilly bags and fire sticks.

Size 34 x 10 | Medium Bark | Catalogue # 1139-23 | Year 2023

Artist  Shadrack Patlas

Shadrack Patlas is currently producing the following artworks:

• Small and medium original paintings (acrylic on Arches)
• Hand painted bookmarks (acrylic on Arches)
• Mural painting on external wall of Injalak Arts centre (men’s studio side)

Shadrack has an outgoing positive outlook and enjoys painting, spending most of his days at Injalak Arts. This allows him to engage with both persons familiar and unfamiliar to him. Shadrack has regularly been engaged as an artist-in-residence as part of the Kakadu National Park’s Seasonal Ranger Program. These artists visit Merll campground in Kakadu and teach traditional rarrk painting techniques to visitors from Australia and around the world. Shadrack’s social skills have been improved by these regular interactions with people from all walks of life.Shadrack Patlas is the son of Margaret Djorlom and Richard Patlas.

further details

Size 34 x 10
Medium  Bark
Catalogue # 1139-23
Year 2023