Emily Kame Kngwarreye
Alalgura (Alhalkere) - My Country, 1991
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Emily Kame Kngwarreye
Circa 1910 - 1996
Alalgura (Alhalkere) - My Country, 1991
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
Bears artist’s name and Delmore Gallery catalogue number IU24 on the reverse
90 ½ in by 47 ¼ in (230 by 120 cm)
The painting is unframed and on a lightweight stretcher. The painting appears in excellent condition with no repairs or restorations. There are some very tiny scuffs to the lower corners.
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Uniquely Australian Gallery, Los Angeles
Private Collection
This painting is sold with a copy of its original Delmore Gallery documentation with notes by Janet Holt that read in part, "the central panel down this work reveals the underlying 'story' element. It also gives an interesting depth that highlights Emily's aerial perception of her country. In a layered view we can seek to understand what she is trying to teach us. Emily's 'story' is of her country called Alalgura. She has custodial responsibility for certain species. The one shown here is the important Anooralaya yam, whose interconnecting and underground roots can be observed.
Emily believes that ceremony helps 'grow up' the country and in particular those bush tucker species she 'looks after'. As well, she nurtures those women who are taking over her role. They will continue the spirit life of the bush in order to assure the continuance of the desert's life cycle.
The choice and shades of colour can show us the state of the country, with the mix of raw, ripe and dry food sources. Understanding this is intrinsic to survival in the desert."