Kungka Kutjarra (Two Women) 1997

Makinti Napanangka painted this work, Kungka Kutjarra, sometime in her lifetime using acrylic on canvas. The painting is comprised of layered earthy tones, with circles and lines that pull you in, almost like a map. Looking closely at the painting's surface, you can see how Makinti built up the image with repetitive gestures. The paint isn't too thick, but you can still see the movement of her hand in each stroke. There's one area near the top where the yellow peeks through the other colors, like a little sunbeam. This reveals a sense of how the painting was built up, layer by layer. Makinti's work reminds me a little of Hilma af Klint, with its use of abstract forms and symbolic language. Both artists create worlds that feel both ancient and utterly new. It’s a reminder that art is a conversation across time, an exchange of ideas and visions that continue to evolve.