AWELYE, 1995

Important Aboriginal + Oceanic Art
Melbourne
27 March 2013
13

EMILY KAME KNGWARREYE

(c.1910 - 1996)
AWELYE, 1995

synthetic polymer paint on canvas

150.0 x 122.0 cm

signed verso: Emily
inscribed verso: artist's name and Delmore Gallery cat. 95L40

Estimate: 
$45,000 - 65,000
Sold for $42,000 (inc. BP) in Auction 28 - 27 March 2013, Melbourne
Provenance

Private Collection, Donald Holt, Delmore Downs Station, Alice Springs

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Delmore Gallery

Catalogue text

As though a conductor commanding a baton, Emily puts line to canvas like an abbreviated signature. Her decisive use of line is as simultaneously grand in its sparsity, as well as presenting as a concerto of masterfully wrought space.

Awelye reflects the time of year in December when ceremony ominates all family life in the area. Body painting is intrinsic to all ceremony and in this painting, Emily makes abstract reference to this ceremonial practice. Ceremony reinforces knowledge about such staple bush foods through narrative, as well as teaching basic social codes and obligations. Through such paintings, Emily serves to reinforce her knowledge to those who follow her.

ANNABEL HOLT AND JANET HOLT