Deutscher and Hackett

This canvas derives directly from the community surrounding the soakage at Alalgura on Utopia. Water has been harvested into the area by the natural fall of the country, creating ideal conditions for growth. No specific dreaming of bush tucker was in mind when this work was produced. Emily best describes such flourishes of colour as “merne” (food) “everything”.

This painting is one of five outstanding canvases produced in November of 1994, all distinguished by a field of charcoaled dotting, located upper left of this work. The dusky tone represents the small black pebbles and charcoal the male emu consumes as an aid to digestion. This in turn helps identify an emu's presence both by his droppings or the remains of food regurgitated onto the ground for his chicks to consume.

The textured colours of this canvas emanate from the country surrounding Alalgura (Alhalkere) on Utopia. Water has been harvested into the area by the natural fall of the land, creating ideal conditions for fattening and breeding emus.

This work demonstrates Emily Kngwarreye's inclusive vision of all things relative to sourcing sustenance in her country. This helps us with her intent as she worked upon this canvas. Essentially, the artist is celebratory. Nature is working in synchronicity, filling the artist and her ensuing work with delight. The good season has returned, and her ritual role helped ensure this.

JANET HOLT