Untitled, 2007 by Ngipi Ward, 152x152cm, 13652NW

Ngipi Ward, born around 1949 in Yirril, Western Australia, belonged to the Ngaanyatjarra language group. She spent most of her life in the remote community of Patjarr in the Gibson Desert, leading a nomadic lifestyle of hunting and gathering with her family until the 1960s. Ngipi passed away on September 18, 2014.

Her painting from 2007 depicts a series of water sites significant to her husband's journeys. These sites include Katantjarra, a large rockhole, and Yumantjarra, known for its two rockholes and rabbit hunting. Other locations like Warlku and Purmingka also feature two rockholes each, while Mulyartjan has four rockholes west of Patjarr. The painting illustrates the nomadic traversal from water source to water source, integral to survival in the desert.

The Dreaming story (Tjukurrpa) associated with this landscape recounts the creation of these rockholes by Tjilkamarda, the echidna ancestor, in a fit of anger. Another sacred songline, the Wati Kutjarra (Two Men) Tjukurrpa, passes through this region, marking significant cultural and spiritual journeys.

Ngipi's painting features circular motifs representing rockholes, soakages, and clay pans, with lines depicting walking tracks, creeks, and sand hills. These elements highlight the crucial role of water sources in the Gibson Desert. Her work is celebrated in prestigious collections, including the National Gallery of Victoria.