Paddy Dhathangu (1914-1993), Liyagawumirr (Yolgnu) painter, was one of the Ramingining-based artists who contributed to the Aboriginal Memorial (1987-8), comprising two hundred painted burial poles now on permanent display in the National Gallery of Australia. Dhathangu went to mission school on Mlingimbi and worked as a gardener before becoming a corporal in Darwin during World War 2. Returning to his home country he resumed gardening, and started painting and taking part in ceremonies. He participated in many group shows from the 1960s onward, including the NGA exhibitions My Country, My Story, My Painting (1986), The Continuing Tradition (1989) and The Painters of the Wagilag Sisters Story (1997).
Updated 2021
