Untitled, 2013, Esther Giles Nampitjinpa
Acrylic on canvas, 151cm x 122cm
Provenance: Yanada Art, Alice Springs.
Esther Giles Nampitjinpa is a dynamic force in Australian art, famous for her exceptional skills in painting. Nampitjinpa grew up in the desert living a nomadic lifestyle with her tribe. After the death of her younger brother, her family moved to the then newly established government settlement of Papunya. She is sister of Tjawina Porter Nampitjinpa and a half sister of one of the most renowned Australian artist, Nyurapayia Nampitjinpa Mrs. Bennett. (1)
From the authenticity certificate: The concentric circles in Aboriginal Art are loosely referred to as ‘waterholes’. More specifically the icon has a relationship to ceremonial locations, such as rock formations, medicinal plants and food sources. The grouping of concentric circles relates to a series of sacred rites conducted during the time of creation. Ancestral beings underwent transformations during ceremony at these sites, which are still visited during initiation by the most senior women but as this is regarded as ‘Tingari’ which is secret no further information is provided.