FIRST NATIONS FINE ART AUCTION

VIEW AUCTION RESULTS

Welcome to our November 2024 First Nations Fine Art Auction, the inaugural offering under the Art Leven banner.

I am proud to showcase the continuing evolution of ‘Australia’s’ oldest exhibiting First Nations-focused fine art gallery and only such specialised auction house. Art Leven aims to honour the legacy of Cooee Art, which was founded by Adrian Newstead and Louise Ferrier in 1981.

While we embrace a new name, our focus remains unchanged— reflecting the evolving times while staying deeply committed to promoting Indigenous art and culture. Our goal is to foster a deeper, more intimate appreciation of First Nations artists, both past and present, within the continent’s art communities and beyond. Art Leven represents the evolution of Cooee Art’s legacy, forging new pathways for collaboration and growth.

I am pleased to present the collection we have carefully curated over the past six months, featuring a selected offering of 93 lots valued between $1,240,000 and $1,600,000. This collection showcases the diversity and richness of First Nations art across the continent. Featuring heavily throughout this auction are key works that explore contemporary themes. Notable pieces include seminal works by Tracey Moffatt (Lot 23), Reko Rennie (Lot 25), and a video installation by Dr. Christian Thompson AO (Lot 26). Additionally, the cover lot (Lot 24) by Michael Riley, ‘‘Untitled (Bible) Cloud Series’, was carefully selected for its strong symbolism. As Michael Riley noted, “cloud was quite a resolved series for me, in that it brought all elements together: my childhood, the Christianity from my childhood, the problems with that, and also histories of Aboriginal peoples.” Vendors from across Australia, the Americas, and Europe have contributed, featuring traditional bark paintings, sculptures, limited edition prints, drawings, and photographic works.

Among the many notable lots is an early Papunya board painted during the ‘interregnum’ period and attributed to Timmy Payungka Tjapangati (Lot 10). The work is accompanied by a fascinating essay by John Kean, detailing his process for authenticating and attributing the work. Created around 1972, this highly intricate painting is a rare foundational work from one of the most significant moments in this continent’s art history. Its creation marks a pivotal turning point that transformed both the contemporary art movement and the nation’s identity.

The rare ceremonial figure, Lot 80, was believed to have been collected on Mornington Island and has been kept on display at The Zillman Museum of Wonders in Imbil, Queensland for decades. The 74 centimeter tall figure is adorned with a beard of human hair, ceremonial paint, and a conical ceremonial headdress. The rare and remarkable work carries an estimate of $18,000 - $22,000.

This year came the thrilling announcement of Emily Kame Kngwarreye’s (Emily Kam Kngwarray) solo retrospective to be held at the Tate Modern, London in 2025. We are excited to once again present a stunning selection of the legendary artist’s works. Lot 9, Untitled (Awelye), painted in January 1994 and estimated at $60,000 - $80,000, beautifully captures the subtle pink hues of Utopia in summer. Lot 17, Alalgura (My Country), from October 1994, estimated at $140,000 - $160,000, is a vibrant portrayal of Kngwarreye’s country after the rains, often referred to as the “green time”. This piece features a rare abundance of blue. Additionally, Lot 72, Summer Business (1992), estimated at $130,000 - $150,000, draws the viewer’s eye across the canvas with the dynamic movement of the landscape.

Other highlights include a work by Rover Joolama Thomas (Lot 71), created in 1993 for the Waringarri Aboriginal Arts Centre. With a conservative estimate of only $70,000 to $90,000, this piece exemplifies the artist’s exceptional skill and continues to define much of the East Kimberley’s artistic lexicon.

Among the standout lots is 7, a striking gouache by Lin Onus, estimated at $30,000 to $40,000. Also featured are three works by the artist du jour, Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori (Lots 3, 13, and 88). Lot 30 presents a captivating piece by Bill Whiskey Tjapaltjarri, with a modest estimate of $20,000 to $25,000. Rounding out the highlights is Lot 11, a monumental, classic painting by the legendary Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, a key figure of the Papunya Tula collective.

I hope you enjoy this catalogue as much as we have enjoyed curating it, and I look forward to welcoming you to our gallery during the viewing.

Mirri Leven, Director

September 2024