Minyma Tingari, 2004 (122x122cm) by Barbara Napangarti Reid

"Minyma Tingari (2004)", measuring 122x122cm, by Barbara Napangarti Reid masterfully captures the sacred ‘Tingari Cycle,’ a spiritual amalgam of story, song, and ceremony. This painting symbolises the continuity of cultural practices, with iconography reflecting the body paint worn by Ngaanyatjarra women during Tingari ceremonies. These ceremonies are crucial for maintaining cultural heritage, forming a significant part of post-initiatory teachings and providing explanations for contemporary customs.

The shimmering, glistening lines in the painting represent Tali, or sandhills, the landscape where Tingari women gather for their rituals. These fluid lines create visual interest, symbolising the sandhills and also the patterns drawn in the sand during ceremonies.

Barbara’s work, with its fluidity and dynamic lines, is both a contemporary piece and a tribute to ancient traditions. The painting narrates the journeys of Tingari ancestors who traveled vast landscapes, performing rituals that shaped specific land formations.

"Minyma Tingari (2004)" is a vital cultural artifact, preserving the sacred narratives and traditions of the Ngaanyatjarra people. Barbara’s use of traditional symbols and luminous colours creates a strong but serene presence, capturing the essence of the Tingari stories and their deep connection to the land.