Brian Mudgedell

Warlayirti Artists

Brian is the son of senior law woman Mati Mudgedell (deceased). Brian moved between the communities of Balgo and Mulan as a young boy. He has fond memories of hunting south of Mulan at Paruku with his mother and brother. In the Lake of Paruku lives the cheeky (dangerous) snake, Waniara, who would eat people during the Tjukurrpa. Brian speaks of being cautious when approaching the lake. In Balgo, Brian attended The Luurnpa Catholic School and traveled to Melbourne and Adelaide on special excursions. Brian is married with three children and also enjoys being a member of a local band that toured to Perth. Brian started painting in 1992 and explains how he continues the legacy learnt from his grandmother. He has inherited her stories, which encompasses country south west of Balgo in the Great Sandy Desert.

Brian has exhibited extensively in Australia and overseas. His work is also displayed at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra.