Sandhills of Mina Mina by Dorothy Napangardi 122x91cm

Sandhills of Mina Mina by Dorothy Napangardi

In this captivating painting, Dorothy Napangardi employs purple and yellow tones against a dark brown background to depict the dynamic movement of sandhills. The first image offers a close-up view; please click through the images to see the full painting and a photograph of the artist with her work.

This artwork centres on Mina Mina, a sacred site in the remote Tanami Desert of which Dorothy is the custodial owner. Characterised by vast soakage areas and endless sandhills, Mina Mina is where Dorothy and her aunts (Napanangkas) perform rituals of dance and song to pass on Jukurrpa (Dreaming). The painting reflects the constant flux of the sandhills across the landscape, embodying the artist's interpretation of their undulating movement.

Located near Lake Mackay in the Tanami Desert, north of Yuendumu in the Northern Territory of Australia, Mina Mina holds profound cultural significance. According to Dreaming narratives, ancestral women of the Napangardi and Napanangka sub-section groups gathered here to collect ceremonial digging sticks (karlangu) that emerged from the ground. They then journeyed east, performing rituals of song and dance, eventually reaching a place known as Jankinyi. Today, a large belt of Desert Oak trees (Allocasuarina decaisneana) stands where these digging sticks once were.

This painting comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, including a selection of images of the artist at work on "Sandhills" (Cat 13704DN).

Dorothy Napangardi's work is celebrated for its intricate designs and deep cultural narratives, offering a window into the rich traditions of the Warlpiri people. Her unique style and storytelling have cemented her status as a leading figure in contemporary Aboriginal art.