MOURNING STORY, 1990
EMILY KAME KNGWARREYE
synthetic polymer paint on canvas
122.0 x 90.5 cm
inscribed verso: artist's name and Delmore Gallery cat. ON36
Private Collection, Donald Holt, Delmore Downs Station, Alice Springs
Isaacs, J., Smith, T., Ryan, J., Holt, D., and Holt,J., Emily Kame Kngwarreye Paintings, Craftsman House, Sydney, 1998, pp. 54–55, pl. 11 (illus.)
This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Delmore Gallery
During this time, Emily endured the sadness of the disappearance and presumed death of a young man that she helped rear with her tribal sister, Lily Kngwarreye. Consequently, a group of paintings arose that relate to the colours, places and feelings of mourning. These somber and powerful colours relate to the grieving place where people come together to express their grief after the loss of a family member. The grey colours reflect the ash and smoke that pervades the atmosphere, the sadness that accompanies the soulful wailing of the mourners.
Emily's personal mourning was restricted by the lack of any ready knowledge of how this young man passed away. Proper, full closure cannot be fulfilled in ceremony without knowing how the person passed away and the identity of anyone who may be responsible. Apportioning blame, and thus moving on and hopefully accepting the circumstances of the death, is integral to the grieving process.
ANNABEL HOLT AND JANET HOLT