Kuniya Snake by Barbara Reid

"Kuniya Snake Dreaming (2000)" by Barbara Napangarti Reid is an exquisite piece representing the sacred Dreaming stories of the Kuniya, the Woma Python. Barbara, a prominent Indigenous Australian artist, is renowned for her vibrant use of colour and intricate dot painting technique, which brings the Kuniya Snake Dreaming to life.

This artwork , measuring 92x92cm, is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Napangarti/Napanangka and Japangarti/Japanangka kinship groups. These kinship groups (skin) represents the transmission of knowledge from aunty to niece and grandfather to grandson.

The Kuniya Dreaming site, central to this piece, is located in the Western Desert, encompassing significant landmarks like the sacred Uluru. This story tells of the ancestral python, Kuniya, who traveled through the landscape, creating waterholes and land formations still revered today.

Barbara’s mastery in dot painting creates a mesmerising effect, with the Kuniya snake weaving through the canvas. Her use of rich earth tones and vibrant colours captures the essence of the desert landscape, highlighting the importance of water sources in this arid environment.

As a custodian of the Kuniya Dreaming, Barbara’s work not only showcases her artistic talent but also serves as a cultural preservation tool, passing down stories and traditions through generations. "Kuniya Snake Dreaming (2000)" is a testament to her dedication to her heritage and her community.