This show at Tate Modern was a real surprise to me as it exceeded any expectations I might have had. I’m glad I kept away from previous information as wanted to come to it fresh.
Emily Kam Kngwarray is now rightly celebrated as being a significant 20th Century artist. She was fortunately able to enjoy being recognised in her lifetime, something too rare for women artists.
Her early work was with batik on fabric (seen in the hanging lengths above) before painting with acrylic on canvas.
Her use of multiple layers of marks creates the impression of shimmering vibration.
This group of 4 paintings on board are called Awely, the Anmatyerr term for women’s songs and ceremonies. Women paint one another’s chests, breasts and arms with pigment, each signifying different Countries and Dreamings.
The Alhalker Suite from 1993 is made of 22 panels and took up the entire gallery wall, so large I was unable to photograph it full-on in one shot. It’s a portrait of Alkhalker Country, capturing the many seasonal changes of its landscape.
More in part 2.