EMU TUCKER, 1992

Important Aboriginal + Oceanic Art
Melbourne
27 March 2013
19

EMILY KAME KNGWARREYE

(c.1910 - 1996)
EMU TUCKER, 1992

synthetic polymer paint on canvas

75.5 x 55.0 cm

signed verso: Emily
inscribed verso: artist's name and Delmore Gallery cat. 92C159

Estimate: 
$10,000 - 12,000
Sold for $18,600 (inc. BP) in Auction 28 - 27 March 2013, Melbourne
Provenance

Private Collection, Donald Holt, Delmore Downs Station, Alice Springs

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Delmore Gallery

Catalogue text

This is a small but powerful image - it speaks of survival in an unforgiving arid landscape. Emily Kngwarreye canvases often drew on memories of bush tucker gathering in the tough days of her childhood after talking about 'olden times' and 'hard work'.

Colour was a critical factor to survival. It often reflected the readiness of bush foods to be eaten - in particular, the bush plums that mature from green through to dark purple-red colours. These small dark fruits are the theme in this painting. They are sourced from bushy shrubs with small bright green leaves that thrive in groves in richer soil types. They are a favoured food of the Emu as well, are highly nutritious, and respond easily after rain.

ANNABEL HOLT AND JANET HOLT