Emily Kam Kngwarreye (c.1910 - 1996)

Emu tucker, 1992

synthetic polymer paint on canvas

75.5 x 55.0 cm
79.0 x 58.5 cm (frame)

signed verso: Emily
bears inscription verso: artist's name and Delmore Gallery cat. 92C159

Commissioned by Delmore Gallery, Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Private collection, Northern Territory
Deutscher and Hackett, Melbourne, 27 March 2013, lot 19
Private collection, Melbourne

This work is accompanied by a copy of the certificate of authenticity from Delmore Gallery, which states:

‘This is a small but powerful image – it speaks of survival in an unforgiving arid landscape. Emily Kngwarreye canvases often drew on memories of bush tucker gathering in the tough days of her childhood after talking about ‘olden times’ and ‘hard work’.

Colour was a critical factor to survival. It often reflected the readiness of bush foods to be eaten – in particular, the bush plums that mature from green through to dark purple-red colours. These small dark fruits are the theme in this painting. They are sourced from bushy shrubs with small bright green leaves that thrive in groves in richer soil types. They are a favoured food of the Emu as well, are highly nutritious, and respond easily after rain.’