Three Wise Men, 1996 by Linda Syddick Napaltjarri, 200x146cm Cat 2057LSN

In this painting, the artist has portrayed the Christian religious theme of the Three Wise Men. The U-shapes represent Joseph and Mary in front of baby Jesus.

The Three Wise Men are wearing intricate mosaic cloaks. There is a curtain effect behind them. This symbolises Linda’s background and her link with her country and her ancestral past. On occasions Linda will paint the Emu and Kangaroo Ancestors in stick form either side of the curtain. Here the striped lines represent the endless rows of sandhills in the Gibson Desert and Lake Mackay, Linda’s “borning place”.

Linda's life has been influenced by Lutheran missionaries, hence the syncretism nature of her work. Whilst upholding her traditional belief system she is attempting to reconcile this contemporary issue through her art; a fusion of Christianity and the Dreaming.

This serves to remind us that the Dreaming is essentially a dynamic process which incorporates the totality of life, rather than a static historical, mythical past. The Dreaming deals with all issues; past, present, and future.

In this painting, the artist has portrayed the Christian religious theme of the Three Wise Men.

Linda's life has been influenced by Lutheran missionaries, hence the syncretism nature of her work. Whilst upholding her traditional belief system she is attempting to reconcile this contemporary issue through her art; a fusion of Christianity and the Dreaming.

This serves to remind us that the Dreaming is essentially a dynamic process which incorporates the totality of life, rather than a static historical, mythical past. The Dreaming deals with all issues; past, present, and future.