Minyma Tingari (Women’s Dreaming), 2000 (92x62cm)by Barbara Reid
"Minyma Tingari (Women’s Dreaming), 2000" by Barbara Napangarti Reid portrays the sacred Tingari Cycle, a spiritual blend of story, song, and ceremony. This artwork, measuring 92x62cm, narrates the journeys of Tingari ancestors who traversed vast landscapes, performing rituals that shaped the land formations of specific sites.
In this painting, Reid depicts Tingari women—represented by U shapes—as they gather and work within their country, erecting windbreaks. The surrounding landscape features puli (rock formations), symbolized by stratified, elongated U shapes, and tali (sweeping sand dunes), depicted with undulating lines. This traditional representation not only honors the natural environment but also echoes the body paint designs worn by Ngaanyatjarra women during sacred ceremonies.
Barbara Napangarti Reid, born in 1964 near Tjukurla in the Gibson Desert, is a notable artist from the Ngaanyatjarra language group. Raised in a traditional environment, Reid has gained profound knowledge of rituals and women's healing traditions. Her dedication to ceremonial duties and cultural preservation is evident in her art.
Reid's work has achieved significant recognition, featuring in numerous National Collections in Australia and several touring exhibitions. She was a finalist in the 17th National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award (NATSIAA), underscoring the contemporary relevance and enduring legacy of her art. "Minyma Tingari" serves as a vital cultural artifact, celebrating the rich heritage of the Ngaanyatjarra people.