Crossing Paths

Crossing Paths brings together the work of emerging indigenous artists from two regions now represented by Flinders Lane Gallery. In particular, Gallery Director Claire Harris has been following the work of Biddee Baadjo (Wangkatjungka) and Ormay Nangala Gallagher (Warlukurlangu) and is pleased to have this opportunity to showcase their works as part of this survey of Western Desert and Yuendumu painters. “Both Biddee and Ormay have exceptional futures ahead of them and reflect the enduring strength and fabulous colouristic style of contemporary Indigenous art practices.”

Also featuring in Crossing Paths will be the work of emerging artist Biddee Baadjo. Now in her early 70s Biddee, known for her intricate depictions of country with delicate brush markings and rich colour combinations, is exemplifies the sensitivity, complexity and exuberance of the Western Desert region’s artists.

Born near Purrpurn, a spring water site in the Great Sandy Desert around 1938, Biddy is also known for her story of having been snatched by an eagle as a child. Biddy and the other children had been left in their coolamon’s while their parents hunted. Her mother saw the eagle flying away with her child and ran after it before the eagle dropped Biddy down into the Spinifex grasses. Along with the other female painters of this region Biddee’s paintings depict the series of waterholes and other land formations that run along the region followed by the Canning Stock Route.

Crossing Paths will also feature a series of rhythmic and jewel like combined womens’ paintings and feature other emerging artists including Rosie Goodjie & Nada Rawlins.