Deutscher and Hackett

This painting is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Delmore Gallery which states: 'The colours within this work highlight the varied and changing colours of the Anooralya Yam life cycle. This yam is central to Emily Kngwarreye's custodial responsibilities for her country called Alalgura on Utopia Station. Emily Kngwarreye completes a canvas in one session. The 'story', being the random lines indicating the growth pattern of the yam is applied onto a prepared black canvas. This is viewed as a seemingly unregulated and spontaneous manner of expression, often concentrating on one area and occasionally allowing an abandoned outburst. The dotwork indicates that rains have not fallen for a long time. In her layered approach, we see the sporadic clustered growth of plants in declining condition. Understanding the life cycle of these plants is vital to survival in the bush, as is understanding the human life cycle and its needs. This knowledge is affirmed within the narrative of the song cycle sung in ceremony. Ceremony or 'Awelye', which encompasses song and body-paint application, recognises the spiritual power that maintains nature's fertility and hardiness, and celebrates this to ensure the survival of future generations.'