Lydia Balbal

Mangala Language Group

"Martakurlu"

60.5 x 60.5cm

Acrylic on canvas

Ref No: BID25765

SOLD

Martakurlu is a soak water not far from Well 33 on the Canning Stock Route in the Great Sandy Desert. 'This place in Winpa country, this place got plenty bush foods and fruit from trees.'

Lydia is a Mangala woman born circa 1958. She was married to Yulparija artist Nabiru Bullen until his death in 2009. Lydia's country is near Punmu in the Great Sandy Desert of W.A. Her people's existence was threatened by severe drought so they had little choice but to leave their traditional country. Her family were some of the last to walk out to the coastal town of Bidyadanga, then La Grange Station, located two hours south of Broome in the early 70's. Lydia first began painting in 2007 and has already had solo shows, participated in many group exhibitions and has work in both national and international collections.