Untitled, (awelye) 1994 acrylic, Emily Kame KngwarreyeHuge side track from my essay as I recall how much I love contemporary acrylic painting from Australia. The most acclaimed artist is Emily Kame Kngwarreye.(1915-1996)
Emily Kame Kngwarreye’s fabulous abstract paintings have been cited as probably the most striking ever made during the twentieth century. She lived close to nature and did no acrylics until she was in her late 70's. Centuries of philosophical theory, art galleries full of modern art: she knew nothing of them. However, during less than ten years at the end of her life, she made pared down, raw, large colour field paintings filled with organic and repetitive hand made marks that absolutely carry the viewer away. They stop our breath.
Utopia panel, 1996 acrylic, Emily Kame Kngwarreye
I've poked her work into my 8000 word disseration. Paintings like these make me question all this book learning.
7 comments:
yes, I can see why...
questioning is good...
and she is marvelous
there are many paths to the same place.
I love Emily's work too. I recently watched a wonderful two part series on her life and art and a huge exhibition of her works in Japan ... Iam so drawn to her work (and love the fact that she is an indigenous Australian). Wonderful colours and patterns.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and yes, it does make you wonder about book learning doesnt it? Innate, environment VS book learning. I will ponder that today.
Jacky xox
I love that an Australian artist will have a mention in your dissertation :)
Thanks for the links - her work really speaks to me, especially the 'sacred grasses'. The gestural marks are charged with meaning.
I am Australian and it is great to see Emily's work being showcased. Gilly
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