Flying Ant Dreamingby Bessie Nakamarra Sims

The painting depicts the Pampardu Jukurrpa (Flying Ant Dreaming) from Wapurtali, west of Yuendumu. 'Pamapardu' is the Warlpiri name for the flying ants or termites that build the large anthills found through Warlpiri country in Central Australia. This country belongs to Nakamarra/Napurrula women and Jakamarra/Jupurrula men. 'Pamapardu' are flying ants. They build earth mounds ('Mingkirri') that are common in the Tanami area. When heavy rains come in summer the 'Mingkirri' get flooded out, so the 'Pamapardu' grow wings and fly off to make new homes, following their queens to dry mounds or to build a new. When they have found their new home they drop their wings. In this stage they can be collected, lightly cooked in coals and eaten. As they fall to the ground women collect them to eat because they are nice and sweet. When this Jukurrpa story is painted concentric circles are used to represent the 'Mingkirri' and the rock-holes involved in the story, including the central one at Wapurtali (Mt.Singleton). Dashes are often depicted around the circles to represent the 'Pamapardu'.

Artist:Bessie Nakamarra Sims
Title:Flying Ant Dreaming
ID:1279/09
Medium:Acrylic on Belgian Linen
Size:122 x 122 cm
Region:Yuendumu, Central Australia

Artist

Bessie Nakamarra Sims, who passed away in 2012, was one of the most valued members of the Warlukurlangu Artists Community. Painting since the mid 1980s, she has consistently been exhibited nationally and internationally in group exhibitions. She occasionally collaborated on larger works with her husband, Paddy Japaljarri Sims (who passed away in 2011 and who was also a reputable artist). The main Dreaming's in Bessie's work were Ngarlajiyi (Small Yam), Janganpa (Possum), Pamapardu (Flying Ant), Karntajarra (Two Women), Yarla (Bush Potato) and Mukaki (Bush Plum).

Bessie was quoted as saying, 'I like painting 'cause it's my Dreaming, from my father and grandfather's side. I like to teach kids my Dreaming. I want everyone to know my Dreaming from all over the world. I know and they can know.'
Bessie was born in the bush where she lived for many years before coming into contact with white people at Mt. Doreen Station, west of Yuendumu. Most recently she lived in South Camp in Yuendumu and was an active member within the community. In her spare time she went hunting for Wardapi and bush tucker such as Yarla and Yakajirri.

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