Women's Dreaming at Lulpulnga 2004

Makinti Napanangka created "Women's Dreaming at Lulpulnga," using acrylic on canvas, a medium that allows the conveyance of ancestral stories through modern means. Here, the dominant symbols are the concentric circles, representing sacred sites and the journeys of the ancestral women. These circular motifs evoke a sense of continuity and the cyclical nature of life, akin to the ancient Greek 'Ouroboros,' the snake eating its own tail, symbolizing eternal return. While in ancient Greece, it embodies the cosmos, here, in the Australian desert, it marks the paths of the women ancestors. Observe how these circles are juxtaposed with linear patterns, reminiscent of topographical maps, guiding us through the Dreamtime narratives. In the collective memory, the circle taps into our shared human experience of community and the cyclical nature of existence, engaging us on a deep, subconscious level. Consider how this ancient symbol resurfaces, evolving, and taking on new meanings, connecting us across cultures and millennia.