Lofty Nabardayal Nadjamerrek was born in 1926 in the Mann River area of Central Arnhemland. He spent his younger years growing up in this area, learning the traditional Aboriginal ways of living. Lofty did not attend school but developed his knowledge in the traditional sense of his people.
Lofty has wide knowledge of the stories of his people and is custodian to many of them. Lofty takes part in many ceremonies although his age now does not allow him to attend all that he wishes.
Lofty is a married man, with five daughters and three sons. None of his children however paint.
As a young man Lofty worked at road construction and in the sawmill at Oenpelli. These days he still resides mostly at his home country with occasional visits to Oenpelli. He is a consistent painter, although these days it is a slow process due to his age and failing eyesight, caused by Trachoma. Lofty has not travelled for the purposes of his art.
His collectable works are held by various famous art galleries throughout Australia.
Lofty is the only Aboriginal Artist to receive the Order Of Australia, the highest level of recognition that can be achieved in Australia.
One of Bardayal’s paintings was used on the Australian 40 cent stamp issued in 1982.
In 1993, FAC Darwin Airport Commission held a large mural based on a painting of "Ngalyod" by Bardayal on permanent display in Darwin Airport Foyer.
Lofty Nadjamerrek is a highly regarded artist, painting in the traditional style. His paintings are in major collections worldwide.
Awards:
2004 - Australia Day Honours: Lofty was named an officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia
1999 - Winner, best works on paper, National Aboriginal Art Award, Northern Territory Museum of Arts and Sciences, Darwin
Collections:
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Museum and Art Galleries of the NT, Darwin
Berndt Museum of Anthropology, University of Western Australia
The Australian Museum, Sydney Aboriginal Arts Board of the Australia Council, National Museum of Canberra
Museum of Contemporary Art, Arnotts Collection, Sydney
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade Canberra
Anthropology Museum, University of Queensland, St Lucia
Artbank, Sydney
Holmes a’ Court Collection, Perth, WA
