ENGLAND BANGALA

England Bangalas’ earliest recorded bark paintings were created in the mid 1960s and list latest in the mid 1990s though he did create some works on paper during the 5 years preceding his death in 2001.

Only 52 paintings on bark or canvas, 6 works on , and 12 carvings/ sculptures have been offered at public auction since 1990 when his first bark painting appeared for sale. The highest price for a bark was achieved by Sotheby’s in 2002 when presented the works in the British Petroleum Collection of Australian art. The 183 x 86.5 cm work, Modj (Rainbow Serpent or Ancestral Creator) sold for $7,800 including Buyers Premium. The highest price paid for a work on bark since that time was the $5,760 paid for a 139 x 84 cm work entitled Bilimarra, 1991. The highest price ever achieved for a sculpture was achieved ion 2005 when a hollow log created in 1987 sold for $6,600.

Only 4 artworks by Bangala have ever sold for more than $6,000 and another 4 for more than $3,000, though his career clearance (success) rate is a relatively healthy 65%.

Bangala was a most important ceremonial leader who had been initiated into the highest level of ritual knowledge. He was amongst a small group of Arnhem land elders who were instrumental in the emergence of bark painting during the movement’s formative years. His paintings and sculptures are in the collections of most major Australian art galleries and museums and have been featured in seminal catalogues and books about Arnhem Land art. Their distinctive style and expert execution make them instantly recognisable by connoisseurs of bark art, and consequently they continue to be highly desirable collectors’ items.

© Adrian Newstead