Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, Untitled, 2020. Acrylic on linen, 183 x 244cm. Courtesy: the artist, Utopia Art Sydney, Papunya Tula Artists and Drill Hall Gallery, Canberra.

The Pintupi lands cover a vast swathe of the Western Desert. It is as remote and challenging as anywhere on earth. As home to the Pintupi and their ancestors it has inspired their ancient culture which resonates in the strength, richness and depth of their art.

Pintupi painting is characterised by its austerity, majestic scale and hyperactive opticality. This exhibition brings together works from three generations of Western Desert artists to demonstrate the continuity and consistency of their noble artistic tradition. Among the leading artists, Uta Uta Jangala, Mick Namarari Tjapaltjarri, George Tjungarrayi, Ronnie Tjampitjimpa, Makinti Napanangka, Ningurra Napurrula, Yukultji Napangati and Mantua Nangala are represented by major works. The older Pintupi artists initially participated in the “renaissance” of Western Desert art which took place in Papunya. The majority returned to their ancestral country in Kintore in 1981. From this time onwards, a period of sublime creativity has ensued – as this magnificent collection of paintings, curated by Christopher Hodges, demonstrates.