Lupulnga 2005

Makinti Napanangka made this painting, Lupulnga, most likely with acrylic paint and brushes sometime during her lifetime. Just look at those warm, earthy tones! They’re not just colours, they’re like memories of the land, laid down in strokes that feel both deliberate and intuitive. Up close, you can see the texture in this work. The paint isn’t trying to hide or disappear; it's right there on the surface, thick in some places, thin in others, each stripe a record of a single gesture. See how the lines radiate out, creating a kind of pulsating energy? It’s like the painting is breathing, expanding and contracting with life. Then there are those oval shapes in the middle, like seeds or pods, each one carefully outlined. The imperfection is so tangible, it’s like the artist is sharing a secret, a moment of connection. It reminds me a little of Agnes Martin, that similar sense of rhythm and repetition, but here with such a different personal touch. It’s all about the conversation art has across time and cultures. Isn’t that cool?