YAM STORY 95, 1995

Important Australian + International Fine Art
Melbourne
29 November 2007
39

Emily Kame Kngwarreye

(1910 - 1996)
YAM STORY 95, 1995

synthetic polymer paint on canvas

91.0 x 121.0 cm

signed verso: Emily
inscribed with artist's name and Delmore Gallery catalogue number verso: 95F002/ Emily Kngwarreye/ Commissioned by Delmore
inscribed with title and dated on label attached verso: Yam Story/ June 1995
accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Delmore Gallery, Northern Territory

Estimate: 
$25,000 - $35,000
Sold for $31,200 (inc. BP) in Auction 3 - 29 November 2007, Melbourne
Provenance

Commissioned by Delmore Gallery, Northern Territory
William Mora Galleries, Melbourne
Applied Chemicals Collection, Melbourne

Catalogue text

A play of line is evident here in what is an exciting painting of ease and confident pace. The abandoned gestural brushstrokes cover the canvas, with a focused centre strongly suggesting the idea of a yam increase centre - and the wild fertility that is always demonstrated after drought-breaking rains. The energy that exudes from this composition of line is very strong with the monotonal palette adding stark visual power.

'Awelye' - or ceremonial expression, releases the spiritual power that maintains nature's fertility and hardiness. The belief that good seasons always return, that the yam 'always comes back', is fundamental to understanding the desert environment and therefore, survival. A parallel layer of expression runs with the fundamental understanding of 'awelye', that being of basic human nature, understanding it, abiding by the rules set down by society in order that it too will survive.

JANET HOLT

Delmore Downs, Northern Territory