Aileen Adamson b. 1988

The Wanampi (Rainbow Serpent) is one of the most widely known Aboriginal Dreaming stories and is retold in many different forms across many Aboriginal language groups. Wanampi is recognised as an ancient, powerful creature of the Dreaming Creation era, whose movements brought form to the previously featureless landscape - creating mountains, gorges, rivers and valleys.

For Pitjantjatjara people, Wanampi are powerful spirits, believed to live in and guard waterholes. With their intimate knowledge of their country, Pitjantjatjara people know the resting places of the Wanampi, and continue to practice traditional methods of communicating with spirits to show respect and ask permission before accessing certain water sources.

Aileen employs the traditional dotting method that is typical of the Central and Western Desert style to create harmonious movement and contrast across her canvases. Her choice of bold, vibrant colours lend her canvases a contemporary quality.