Untitled (Hairstring) 2009

Makinti Napanangka, an Aboriginal artist, painted this piece entitled "Hairstring", using acrylic paint. The parallel lines evoke the image of hair, which is of great importance in many cultures, symbolising strength, identity, and connection. In ancient societies, hair was often a sign of status or religious devotion. Think of the long locks of Samson, source of his unmatched power, or the tonsured heads of monks, signifying renunciation and spiritual commitment. Here, the lines flow and undulate, an echo of the natural rhythms of life. The repetitive, almost hypnotic pattern can connect us to primal emotions and collective memories. This echoes ancient rituals, where the braiding or cutting of hair marked passages of life. In indigenous cultures, these symbols persist, carrying stories across generations. It’s fascinating to see how such a simple motif can carry so much weight, revealing the complex layers of human experience embedded in visual symbols.