Born in 1964, Barbara Napangati Reid's artistic development has unfolded with a deep connection to her Ngaanyatjarra culture. Her work is alive with her heritage and custodianship of her people's collective knowledge. Barbara translates this cultural narrative to her art, which provides both encyclopedic and historical information on the natural world of the Western Desert of Australia.

Barbara's cultural belief is that this narrative dates back to creation, and tells a story of the woman who traversed the country and contributed to the features of the land, laws, stories and songs for the benefit of human survival. Contemporary Ngaanyatjarra woman's knowledge flows directly from creation, and in Barbara's case, is translated to her canvas.

Her depictions of sand hills, rock formations and rock holes talk to the provision of the bush floods, the healing of sickness, and the ceremonial and ritual practices keep her people spiritually, emotionally and socially strong. Barbara's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout Australia.