Sandhills of Mina Mina (2003) by Dorothy Napangardi 198x122cm Cat 7756DN

"Sandhills of Mina Mina," created in 2003 by Dorothy Napangardi, is a beautifully depicted and lyrical work that captures the essence of Mina Mina, a major women's ceremonial site. This site, which is her custodial country, is located near Lake Mackay in the Tanami Desert, north of Yuendumu in the Northern Territory.

In this painting, Napangardi portrays the sandhills of Mina Mina with a striking scallop-like pattern that extends across the landscape in ochre tones and white on black. The artwork serves as a map, guiding the viewer through the terrain, around the soakages of Mina Mina, its salt crustations, spinifex clumps, and over the sandhills. Her fascination with geometric styling and overlapping waves of movement creates a dynamic push-and-pull effect, drawing the viewer's eye up and down, inwards and outwards, from one point to the next. This engaging visual journey is a testament to Napangardi's ability to captivate and immerse her audience.

Karntakurlangu" translates from the Warlpiri language to "Belonging to Women." Mina Mina, depicted in this artwork, is a sacred women's site located on the far west border of the Northern Territory, near the Western Australian border and close to the great salt lake of Lake Mackay. This site features a large claypan that fills with water after rain and is surrounded by large desert oak trees (Allocasuarina decaisneana).

During the Dreaming, women of the Napangardi (Dorothy's skin name) and Napanangka (aunties in the Napangardi kinship) clans sang and danced this country into existence. This tradition of passing on knowledge—from aunties (father's sisters) to nieces—is beautifully encapsulated in Napangardi's work.

"Sandhills of Mina Mina" is highlighted on page 17 of the monograph "Honouring and Remembering the Art and Life of Dorothy Napangardi, 1987-2013," commemorating her significant contributions to art and culture.

The intricate beauty and cultural depth of "Sandhills of Mina Mina" by Dorothy Napangardi, explores the profound connection between the artist, her heritage, and the sacred lands of Mina Mina.