UNTITLED (ALHALKERE COUNTRY), 1993

Important Australian Indigenous Art
Melbourne
26 March 2024
24

EMILY KAM KNGWARREYE

(c.1910 - 1996)
UNTITLED (ALHALKERE COUNTRY), 1993

synthetic polymer painting on canvas

121.5 x 90.0 cm

bears inscription verso: artist’s name and Delmore Gallery cat. 93F068

Estimate: 
$30,000 – $40,000
Sold for $58,909 (inc. BP) in Auction 77 - 26 March 2024, Melbourne
Provenance

Commissioned by Delmore Gallery, via Alice Springs, Northern Territory in 1993
Private collection
Gallery one93, Queensland
Private collection, Queensland, acquired from the above

This painting is accompanied by a certificate from Delmore Gallery which states in part: 'In Alhalkere Country, the progression of colour from the dry earth tones to lush green growth, and then to the delicate colours of wildflowers, is slow after a winter rain. An invigorated mood is all pervading as all life waits for an early glimpse of warmth to give plants that final bit of zest to produce a desert in full carpeted bloom. Once this occurs, the bloom is brief and settles into a dry state. The wild flower may seem sparse, but on close inspection have exceptional colour tones. The colours are sombre, of deep green leaves in misty acacia grey dawns over frosted, dried-off grasses, and small pink and white wild flowers. This wonderful work is an aerial perspective of the winter landscape, celebrating the abundant food source it provided.'