Emily Kam Kngwarray Anmatyerr language group, circa 1914-1996

This masterpiece “Untitled 1990” by Emily Kame Kngwarreye, was painted in a time of relative anonymity and peace. It is winter and dry grasses absorb the moisture supplied by morning dew and green shoots appear at their base, at times mixed with recent frost-burnt growth. Growth is slow, and the energy of nature’s presence permeates the tonal play of color of country through the collision of dot on dot. Her palette here is tight yet includes a beautiful blue that settles in comfortably in this expression of her landscape at this time of year. —Delmore Gallery, Certificate of Authenticity, signed Janet Holt

Untitled - 1990 is the first canvas of the dimension (59.8 x 95.3 inches) which was painted by Emily in 1990. Only eight paintings of this large size exist with Delmore provenance - this painting, three painted in 1991, and four in 1995. The prominent yam tracking lines in this painting are a typical example of the stylistic shift that was emerging around this time. With the previous tight fields of dots starting to loosen, the tracking lines are intentionally left uncovered, asserting Emily’s individual expression and authority of the yam. Although this style was initially considered ‘too brazen’ for most to appreciate at this time, the yam tracking lines would continue to appear as a distinct statement of country throughout her career. —Vanessa Merlino, Emily, D'Lan Contemporary, 2020, p. 21