Tingari Cycle, 1999 by Walala Tjapaltjarri, 92x92cm, 3774WT

"Tingari Cycle, 1999" by Walala Tjapaltjarri features ochre yellow and white rectangles set against a red ochre background. Elegant in its simplicity, the painting's bold and strong iconography is rich with symbols of sacred land.

Walala's striking use of minimalistic design elements serves as a map of his homeland, Lake MacKay, viewed through a microscopic lens. This vast, shimmering salt lake, located on the border of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, was home to Walala and his family until 1984, when they emerged from the desert and made world headlines as "The Last of the Nomads."

The painting captures the spiritual essence of the Tingari Cycle, representing the journeys of the Tingari ancestors who traveled through this region during the Creation Era. Walala's work beautifully illustrates the deep cultural and spiritual connections between the Pintupi people and their ancestral land, using powerful visual symbols to convey ancient stories and sacred landscapes.

"Tingari Cycle, 1999" is a testament to Walala Tjapaltjarri's artistic mastery and his ability to preserve and celebrate his heritage through contemporary art. The piece invites viewers to explore the rich, symbolic world of the Tingari and the enduring legacy of Lake MacKay.