Ntang Dreaming 1989 bears the characteristics of its predecessor Emu woman in both style and execution. In Kngwarray’s works ‘ntang’ refers specifically to the numerous tiny, edible seeds of woollybutt grass. These seeds are ground and used for making small seed cakes. This plant also features in some of Kngwarray's previous batik works.
While many edible seeds are found in the ecosystems of Alhalker country, woollybutt grass is regarded as originating there. In Ntang Dreaming, layered scrims of yellow, black, red, and white ntang articulate and infill familiar stylistic plant motifs. Traces of Kngwarray’s batik technique also linger in the application of fine lines around the seeds and partially framed sections of the border.
When the National Gallery of Australia acquired Kngwarray’s Ntang Dreaming from the ‘Utopia Women’ exhibition in Sydney in 1990, the rapid ascendancy of Kngwarray as a painter of national significance was confirmed.
