Untitled (Designs Associated with the Site of Lupulnga) 2007

Makinti Napanangka made this untitled painting, depicting designs associated with the site of Lupulnga, with acrylic on canvas. I just love how immediate it feels. It’s all about the process, you know? The texture is amazing—thick and luscious. Look closely, and you'll see how the lines of yellow and pink almost vibrate against each other. This area of pink, over here, in contrast to the expanse of yellow, is kind of like a visual poem. The way the colours are laid down, it’s almost like you can feel the artist's hand moving across the canvas. This work reminds me a bit of Agnes Martin, but with more guts. Both artists share that interest in the grid, but Napanangka's work is somehow more raw and earthy, more like an experience than an idea. Art like this reminds you that there's always more than one way to see something.