Deutscher and Hackett

This work represents the country of the mythological emu in the vicinity of the artist's country called Alalgura. Emily has custodial responsibility for various bush tucker species, all of which are preferred by the emu. The artist's ceremonial activities, called Awelye, are based on the belief that she is helping to nurture or 'grow up' her country's food sources. A successful summer rain season links to her belief that her ceremonial power secures the continuance of the desert life cycles. Ceremony also teaches young initiates the example of the male emu bird that takes on a large part of caring for its chicks, guiding them on what seeds, flowers and grasses can be eaten, where they can be found, and how far they can wander from the soakage at Alalgura.

This work was painted in anticipation of summer rains to the north-east of Alice Springs. The growth to follow was to be incredibly thick and lush, thus making conditions ideal for a full crop of Ndorkwa, a wild plum. The colours in this work depict the various stages of ripeness of this fruit. When it is blue/purple, it is ready to eat, and those of different shades of red, are not. The plum does not fruit annually. Instead, it simply responds to rain, which, in this country, is unreliable.

The powerful utilisation of colours intriguingly captured on this canvas taken from 'Ndorkwa', with the colours of the plum in full-bodied ripeness, especially with the blue-hued reflection.

In this instance, Emily's custodial role links with Arlperre country to the north of Alalgura and whose custodians also 'sing up' the Ndorkwa. As with all fruits, there are lessons to learn as to how and when they can be eaten so as to avoid potential ailments if incorrectly handled.

The colour gradation from green to darkest red, are the constants within Emily Kngwarreye's palette as a skilled colourist. They are the colours of the vital seed contained in the Kame daisy seedhead, and indicators of ripe fruits and they are the colours of foods most favoured by the Emu, the most important dreaming of her country, Alalgura.

JANET HOLT