Untitled 1999

Makinti Napanangka made this ‘Untitled’ painting with what looks like acrylic on canvas and it’s all about rhythm and movement, as an ongoing process. The surface buzzes with energy! Look at how those warm yellows and cool lilac-grays play off each other. The paint is applied in these rhythmic, parallel strokes, creating a sense of depth and texture. It’s not about hiding the hand of the artist, it's more like a celebration of it! Take a closer look at the top right corner. See those curved lines of yellow and white? They remind me of topographic maps. I love how Napanangka creates a sense of place without being literal. It's like she's mapping out not just the land, but a feeling. She reminds me of Agnes Martin, in the way she used repetition to create this meditative, all-over composition. Both artists prove that simplicity can be incredibly powerful. It’s a visual poem, open to endless interpretations.