‘Etching Suite’ by Dorothy Napangardi - CPP collaboration

The ‘Etching Suite’ (Spinifex, Salt Country, Karntakurlangu Jukurrpa) by Dorothy Napangardi is a breathtaking limited edition set of three etchings that beautifully depict the topographical and spiritual elements of Mina Mina, a significant women’s ceremonial site. Mina Mina is the artist's custodial country located near Lake Mackay in the Tanami Desert, north of Yuendumu in the Northern Territory.

The first etching (DN-16) portrays the movement of the giant spinifex (Triodia longiceps) swaying in the desert winds, a plant species that can grow taller than people in this region. The second etching (DN-17) captures the intricate salt crust formations around soakages, which create striking shapes as the water recedes. The third etching (DN-18) illustrates the endless sandhills surrounding Mina Mina, whose shapes constantly shift and change with the wind, reflecting the dynamic desert landscape.

These etchings were produced as part of a special collaboration between Napangardi and Crown Point Press (CPP), showcasing her deep connection to her ancestral land and artistic mastery. Senior printmaker Dena Schuckit of CPP traveled from San Francisco to Australia to work with Napangardi, following the suggestion of Belinda Fox, a fellow artist and printmaker. Fox recognised Napangardi’s extraordinary talent after her 2001 Telstra National Aboriginal Art Award win and played a key role in facilitating this project. Roslyn Premont and Lotte Waters of Gallery Gondwana also supported Napangardi during the process, accompanying her to San Francisco to finalise the project.