EMILY KAME KNGWARREYE - AWELYE (BODY PAINT)

EMILY KAME KNGWARREYE
AWELYE (BODY PAINT), 1995
77 x 52 cm
acrylic on paper
 
REGION
Utopia, NT
 
PROVENANCE
Painted in December 1995 for Rodney Gooch, Cat Nu. 31-1197 Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery, Canberra ACT Cat No. 1568
Private Collection, Canberra ACT
The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, Redfern NSW
Art Leven, Redfern Gadigal NSW
bears inscription verso: Emily Kngwarreye, painted Dec '95 Utopia N.T. Australia, signed R Gooch
STORY
This work is representative of her later vigorous works which she executed in a rapid confident motion. Vertical stripes sear the canvas and map the body-painting used in Awelye — women’s public song ceremonies. Despite the stylistic variations, all of Kngwarreye’s work is about one story — Alhalkere — her country, her people, her dreamings. The panels are among her boldest expressions — raw, gutsy and tough — and evoke the confidence and unique vision that characterise Kngwarreye’s short career as a contemporary Aboriginal artist.
 
 
 
ARTIST PROFILE
EMILY KAME KNGWARREYE