Emily Kam Kngwarray is honoured in an exploration of the enduring artistic legacy left by a preeminent Australian artist, recognized globally as one of the most influential contemporary painters of the twentieth century. As a distinguished Anmatyerr woman, Kngwarray dedicated her final years to the creation of artworks that intricately capture the depth of experience and authority she accumulated over an extraordinary lifetime.
The forthcoming exhibition promises a comprehensive retrospective of Emily Kam Kngwarray's artistic journey, showcasing pivotal pieces that span her entire oeuvre. The collection ranges from the vibrant batik textiles of her early career to the monumental canvas paintings of her later years. Additionally, the exhibition will incorporate an innovative audiovisual collaboration with the artist's community, featuring the melodic resonance of awely songs that served as inspiration for Kngwarray's creations, seamlessly woven into immersive soundscapes and audio tours.
A rich amalgamation of paintings, textiles, and works on paper sourced from both international and national collections will be on display. This includes previously unseen pieces from private collections, as well as recent acquisitions of the artist's seminal works that now grace the national collection.
Noteworthy is the exhibition's alignment with the National Gallery's Know My Name initiative, an ongoing effort to celebrate the contributions of women artists and deepen public understanding of their impact on Australia's cultural landscape.
The curatorial expertise behind this exhibition is provided by Kelli Cole, a curator specializing in Special Projects within the realm of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, hailing from the Warumunga and Luritja peoples. Joining her is Hetti Perkins, a Senior Curator-at-Large in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, whose heritage is rooted in the Arrernte and Kalkadoon peoples. Their combined expertise ensures a nuanced and insightful exploration of Emily Kam Kngwarray's artistic legacy.
2 Dec 2023 – 28 Apr 2024
National Gallery of Australia
10am – 5pm
Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country
Parkes Place East, ParkesACT2600