Kungka Kutjarra (Two Women) 1998

Kungka Kutjarra (Two Women) is an undated painting by Makinti Napanangka, an Aboriginal Australian artist who was born around 1930. Napanangka, a Pintupi speaker, began painting relatively late in life and her works often depict stories from the Western Desert cultural traditions. In this piece, Napanangka uses swirling brushstrokes of yellow, orange, and white to represent the travels of two women. The bright colors evoke the heat and light of the Australian desert, while the circular patterns may allude to the cyclical nature of life and the landscape. These symbols were passed down through generations and were at risk of being lost due to the impact of colonization. Napanangka once said, "I paint what I know, what my mother and grandmother showed me." Napanangka’s works are vital contributions to the preservation and evolution of Indigenous Australian art and culture. The painting embodies the power of women and their connection to the land. It's a testament to the enduring strength of cultural identity, and how it can be expressed and maintained through art.