England Bangala was born circa 1925 and raised at Gochan Jiny-jirra on the Cadell River in Central Arnhemland.
As a young boy he attended the mission school at Millingimbi, an island just off the northern coast of Australia.
As he grew older he worked as a farmer and a carpenter in his homeland, then later travelled west to work as a buffalo shooter in the area of Oenpelli.
England was married and was a father to 4 boys and 3 girls. Two of the girls however have since passed away.
England has passed through the full initiation ceremonies and consequently possesses the knowledge of the higher initiation stories of his ancestors. England is required to attend many of the tribal ceremonies in his area because of his stature and great knowledge.
As a young boy, he was taught to paint by his father. England is extremely famous and his art can be found in most major collections within Australia and many prominent overseas collections.
Awards:
1992 - Half Fellowship, Aboriginal Arts Unit of the Australian Council for the Arts
Collections:
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Djomi Museum, Maningrida
Holmes a’ Court Collection, Perth, WA
Museum of Contemporary Art, Maningrida Collection, Sydney
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney
Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide
Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth
Australian National University, Central Collection, Canberra
Museum and Art Galleries of the N.T, Darwin
Museum of Victoria, Melbourne
Christensen Collection, held at Museum of Victoria, Melbourne
Artbank, Sydney
All work copyright Original & Authentic Aboriginal Art
