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Emily Kame Kngwarreye
Emily Kame Kngwarreye « Anooralya Yam » 90x120cm - 1994 - aboriginal art

1994

About the Item

Emily Kame Kngwarreye (1910-1996) Title: « Anooralya Yam » 91x121 cm - 1993 Acrylic on canvas Aboriginal Art Australian Provenance: Delmore Gallery Aborigène Galerie Paris, France Emily Kame Kngwarreye (1910 – 3 September 1996) was an Aboriginal Australian artist from the Utopia community in the Northern Territory. She is celebrated for her significant contributions to contemporary Indigenous Australian art, particularly for her prolific output and unique style developed later in life.​ Early Life and Background Born in 1910 in Alhalkere, in the Utopia region approximately 250 kilometers northeast of Alice Springs, Kngwarreye was a member of the Anmatyerre language group. She spent much of her early life working on cattle stations, including MacDonald Downs Homestead, where she was employed in domestic tasks and cattle mustering. Despite the challenges faced by Indigenous Australians during this period, Kngwarreye maintained a strong connection to her cultural heritage and ancestral lands.​ Artistic Journey Kngwarreye's artistic career began in the late 1970s when she joined the Utopia Women's Batik Group. Through this collective, she learned batik techniques, creating intricate designs on fabric that reflected her deep cultural knowledge and connection to the land. Her work in batik laid the foundation for her later transition to painting.​ In 1988, at approximately 78 years old, Kngwarreye began painting with acrylics on canvas as part of a project initiated by the Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA). This transition marked the beginning of an extraordinarily prolific period; over the next eight years, she produced more than 3,000 paintings, averaging nearly one per day. Her work is characterized by vibrant colors, dynamic brushwork, and abstract representations of her Dreaming stories and Country.​ Artistic Style and Themes Kngwarreye's paintings are deeply rooted in her cultural identity and the spiritual narratives of her people. She often depicted the Dreaming stories associated with her ancestral lands, using a rich palette and expressive techniques to convey the interconnectedness of land, community, and spirituality. Her works range from intricate dot paintings to bold, linear compositions, reflecting the diverse aspects of her cultural heritage.​ Recognition and Achievements Kngwarreye's impact on the art world was profound. In 1992–93, she was awarded an Australian Artist's Creative Fellowship by Prime Minister Paul Keating and the Australia Council, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the arts. In 1997, she posthumously represented Australia at the Venice Biennale alongside artists Yvonne Koolmatrie and Judy Watson, showcasing the global significance of her work. Her paintings are held in major collections worldwide, including the National Gallery of Australia and the Tate Gallery in London.​ Kngwarreye's artworks have achieved remarkable success in the art market, setting records for Australian female artists and Indigenous art. Notable sales include:​ "Earth's Creation I" (1994): This monumental painting sold for A$1,056,000 in 2007, setting a record for an Australian female artist at that time. In 2017, it broke its own record, selling for A$2.1 million at a Cooee Art Gallery auction in Sydney. ​ Adrian Newstead (OAM) "Awelye" (1989): This work achieved a significant sale price of A$486,500 at a Sotheby's auction in 2000, reflecting the high demand for Kngwarreye's early paintings. ​ These sales underscore the enduring value and appreciation of Kngwarreye's art in both national and international markets.​ Emily Kame Kngwarreye's legacy endures through her profound influence on contemporary Indigenous art and her role in bringing Australian Aboriginal art to global prominence. Her innovative techniques and deep cultural expressions continue to inspire artists and captivate audiences worldwide.​ In 2023, the National Gallery of Australia sparked debate by altering the spelling of her name to Emily Kam Kngwarray for a retrospective exhibition, aiming to reflect updated linguistic conventions. This decision was met with mixed reactions, highlighting the complexities of honoring cultural heritage and individual legacy. ​ Art Leven Kngwarreye's work remains a testament to her extraordinary vision and the rich cultural tapestry of her people, securing her place as one of Australia's most significant and celebrated artists.​
  • Creator:
    Emily Kame Kngwarreye (1910 - 1996, Aboriginal Australian)
  • Creation Year:
    1994
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 35.83 in (91 cm)Width: 47.64 in (121 cm)Depth: 1.19 in (3 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Framing:
    Frame Included
    Framing Options Available
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    PARIS, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2847215825612

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