Sandhills and Bush Apples by Barbara Reid SOLD

"Sandhills and Bush Apples, 2000" by Barbara Napangarti Reid captures the warmth and beauty of the Central Australian desert with her masterful use of colour. The closely woven lines and textural use of paint evoke the shimmering heat of a hot summer's day. This painting measuring 122x122cm. represents the landscape's distinctive features: puli (rock formations), depicted by stratified, elongated U shapes, and tali (sweeping sand dunes), illustrated with waving horizontal lines.

This traditional method of depicting geographic formations through stratified lines is rooted in the body paint designs worn by Ngaanyatjarra women during sacred ceremonies. These ceremonies are crucial for cultural continuity, forming a significant part of post-initiatory teachings and providing explanations for contemporary customs.

The site represented in the painting is Tjukurla, in the Gibson Desert, Western Australia, where Reid serves as custodian. Her artwork not only highlights the natural beauty of this region but also emphasizes the cultural significance of the sacred ceremonies performed by Ngaanyatjarra women.

Barbara Napangarti Reid's work has gained significant recognition, featuring in numerous National Collections in Australia and various touring exhibitions. She was also a finalist in the 17th National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award (NATSIAA), underscoring the contemporary relevance and enduring legacy of her art. "Sandhills and Bush Apples" stands as a vital cultural artifact, celebrating the rich heritage and spiritual traditions of the Ngaanyatjarra people.