Emily Kam Kngwarreye (c.1910 - 1996)

FLOWERS OF ALALGURA, 1991

synthetic polymer paint on linen

122.0 x 91.0 cm

bears inscription verso: artist's name and Delmore Gallery cat. IV22 

Commissioned by Delmore Gallery, via Alice Springs, in August 1991
Private collection, Melbourne
Sotheby’s, Melbourne, 28 November 1995, lot 606
Private collection, Melbourne

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Delmore Gallery that states:
‘The power of the red, bare soil is found in the countless seeds that lie in wait for the rain that will release incredible growth across the landscape. The visual marvel of the transformation from barren to abundant is a compelling experience. To witness a display of this power, gives a basis for understanding the reverence and enthusiastic anticipation of the women’s’ ceremonial activities called “awelye”. For Emily, the belief that good seasons eventually return is an important part of the spiritual side of ceremonial life. Another part is the belief that ceremony helps maintain the actual hidden energy of Nature. Her celebration is for the hardiness and fertility of her bush tucker food sources and in turn, her own. Emily displays her country in bold brazen storms of colour, her colours representing the raw, ripe and dry fruit, the seed, flower, the dry petals, the plant stalk. These elements are all parts of the life cycle, often scattered by the drift of the wind or clumped in thick carpeted profusion.’

This work is located at our Melbourne gallery