LINDA SMITH PENANGKE

                       Linda Smith Penangke

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I was born in Alice Springs in 1972, descending from the Eastern Arrernte Tribe, south-east of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. 

Arrernte country is rich with mountain ranges, waterholes, and gorges. The phenomenal geography of her country and the unique beauty of the area inspire many of Linda’s meticulously painted canvases as she represents the folding landscapes and flora of her ancestor’s land.

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Linda’s idiosyncratic style features a soft yet often geometric composition, extremely intricate line work and detailed patterning all unified by a warm, earthy colour palette frequented by pops of bold colour. After moving to Queensland in 1992, Linda began painting her families stories in 2000 to maintain her connection to her heritage and to preserve the teachings from her tribe.

Painting was an outlet for her to feel closer to her home and identity. Prior to 2000, Linda had never picked up a paint brush before; astonishing to acknowledge as her relatively short artistic career has been recognised and celebrated internationally, earning her many awards and accomplishments.

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Family History 

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Linda’s family account is historically captivating and echoes in her artistic practice; particularly themes of travel and geography. She takes great pride in the remarkable achievements of her family members, most notably her Great Grandmother, Topsy, her Father, Archie Smith and her Great Uncle Walter.

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Linda speaks of her Great Grandmother Topsy as one of the strongest women she has ever known. 
Topsy was a full blooded Aboriginal woman who had eleven children to a Welsh miner. After her husband’s death, Topsy travelled hundreds of kilometres to Alice Springs where she was the first Aboriginal woman granted permission by the police constable to run “The Bungalow”; a home where children from the stolen generation were able to stay. There is currently a hostel in Alice Springs today named ‘Topsy Smith Hostel’ in her legacy.

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Linda’s Great Uncle Walter Uncle travelled through the central desert with his herd of camels in the early 1900’s. Walter was initiated in the strongest laws as a Rain Maker and was the holder of the Tjurunja stones and board. There is actually a novel written by R.J Kimber called “Walter Smith – Great Australian Bushman”.

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Linda’s father Archie Smith was born beside in Alice Springs and is now an elder of the Eastern Arrernte Tribe. He was vigilant in passing down important cultural information to Linda and continues to keep his culture alive through the teachings of his heritage.