Emily Kam Kngwarray Publication

This publication honours the legacy of Emily Kam Kngwarray, one of Australia’s most influential artists and a defining painter of the twentieth century. An Anmatyerr woman from Central Australia, Kngwarray began painting later in life, dedicating her final years to an extraordinary creative journey. Her works reflect deep cultural knowledge, lived experience and a powerful connection to Country, developed over a lifetime. The book presents fresh perspectives on her life and artistic practice, drawing on new research as well as insights from her community, alongside contributions from curators and scholars. It brings together key works from across her career—from her early, vibrant batik pieces to her bold and expansive canvas paintings. It also features rare archival photographs, many published here for the first time, along with documentation of visits to her Country and community consultations. This publication accompanies a major retrospective exhibition of Kngwarray’s work at the National Gallery of Australia. Curators: Kelli Cole, Warumungu and Luritja peoples, Curator, Special Projects, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Hetti Perkins, Arrernte and Kalkadoon peoples, Senior Curator-at-Large, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art - All proceeds from purchases of the Emily Kam Kngwarray publication through Utopia Art Centre are returned directly to her family, who were involved in creating the publication -