Gudjawa

Southern Arnhemland

 

Wiggii was born in Arnhemland, as were both his parents,his grandmother was "Bet Bet" from the novel and film "We of the Never Never" which was based in the Roper River region of the Northern Territory. His grandfather Bill Williams was a crocodile hunter and well-known Northern Territory identity in the 1940s. He lived with his family on a barge which he made into a home for them. He disappeared mysteriously in the Keep River not far from Wyndham in late 1948 and no recovery was made. Wiggii was traditionally raised by his parents and Aboriginal grandmother "Bet Bet". He learned to paint at an early age and to this day he paints his experiences of life as a child in the outback.

Wiggii still hunts and fishes in the area where his stories are based. His paintings reflect the rich bird life and food sources of the rivers and estuaries along the coast of the Northern Territory. Wiggii's main subjects are the Mimi Spirits that inhabit the swamplands and rocky outcrops of Southern Arnhemland.

Wiggiiís work is found in private collections worldwide.

Painted Country Gallery's director has worked closely with Wiggii and his art over the past 15 years.