Salt at Mina Mina (2008) by Dorothy Napangardi, 198x152cm

Salt at Mina Mina (2008) by Dorothy Napangardi is an exquisite example of the artist's signature style, where intricate white dots on a black background depict the encrustations of salt that form crystalline patterns on the vast soakage areas of Mina Mina. This sacred site, located near Lake Mackay on the border of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, is renowned for its expansive salt lakes, which, though rarely filled, transform into stunning inland seas when they do. The salt lakes attract waterbirds and breathe life into the otherwise arid landscape.

Napangardi's captivating use of dots invites the viewer to explore the painting, creating a dynamic visual journey across the canvas. This masterful work exemplifies her ability to merge traditional Aboriginal storytelling with modern artistic techniques. The repetitive dot patterns reflect the spiritual essence of the land, echoing the movement and connection of the ancestral women who traveled this country during the Jukurrpa (Dreaming).