LAST WEEKS: Emily Kam Kngwarray

Visitors have less than three weeks to experience Emily Kam Kngwarray, the major survey exhibition exploring the rich and diverse world of one of Australia’s pre-eminent artists.

A senior Anmatyerr woman from Utopia (north-east of Mparntwe/Alice Springs), Emily Kam Kngwarray is one of the world’s most significant contemporary painters to emerge in the twentieth century. The exhibition presents important works from her oeuvre, including early vibrant batik textiles to later monumental paintings on canvas.

Co-curated by Kelli Cole, Warumungu and Luritja peoples, and Hetti Perkins, Arrernte and Kalkadoon peoples, the exhibition includes never before seen works by the artist drawn from private collections, along with new acquisitions to the national collection.

The exhibition experience includes daily tours and a free audio guide, offering fascinating insights into the art and life of the artist and the Utopia community. A complimentary kids and families art trail and school holiday activities are also available.

To encourage visitors to see this important exhibition in its final weeks, the National Gallery has two special offers available from 13 April 2024 – National Gallery Members can bring a friend for free, and all kids receive free entry during the school holidays.

The exhibition is the first survey of Kngwarray’s work to be held in a major institution since 2008, providing a fresh perspective on her art practice, emphasising the ways in which her work draws from, connects to, and is embedded in Country. Taking up painting in her 70s, Kngwarray devoted her final years to painting, creating works that encapsulate the cultural knowledge, experience and authority she gained throughout an extraordinary life.

Closing on 28 April 2024, this is the last chance for visitors to fully experience Kngwarray’s work before it leaves Australia for the Tate Modern. In partnership with the National Gallery of Australia, the Tate will stage the next major exhibition on the artist in 2025.

National Gallery Director, Dr Nick Mitzevich said this important exhibition is not to be missed and visitors should take the opportunity to experience Kngwarray’s work.

‘Not only was Kngwarray one of the most significant Australian artists to emerge in the 20th Century, she was also a pioneer in so many ways. She blazed a path for First Nations artists, women artists and Australian artists and her work continues to enthral audiences around the world,’ Mitzevich said.

CURATORS
Kelli Cole, Warumungu and Luritja peoples, Curator, Special Projects, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art at the National Gallery of Australia, and Hetti Perkins, Arrernte and Kalkadoon peoples, Co-curator, Emily Kam Kngwarray.

EDITOR’S NOTE
Spelling of Emily Kam Kngwarray: In 2010, the Central & Eastern Anmatyerr to English dictionary was published following extensive consultation and research with the community. The National Gallery of Australia has adopted this orthography for its collection and programs.

KEY DATES
Exhibition Season | 2 December 2023 to 28 April 2024

TICKETS
$26 Adults | $21 Members | $23 Concession/Student | $11 Child (5 to 16 years) | $16 Mob Tix
Season tickets available for $51

LAST WEEKS SPECIAL OFFERS
- National Gallery Members can bring a friend for free
- Kids go free during the school holidays: Kids aged xxx receive free entry to exhibition during school holidays (13 Apr – 28 Apr)
To book, visit this link.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Art Lab: Tote Tales
Design Your Own Batik Tote Bag
Thu & Fri, 18 & 19 Apr 2024, 12.30pm
Explore the ancient form of batik-making and create a tote bag weaving your unique story into vibrant wax and dye designs.

For Kids & Families: Emily Kam Kngwarray
Sat & Sun during Apr 2024
Join National Gallery staff in the exhibition foyer to learn about Emily Kam Kngwarray’s art and country through children's activities.

Private & group tours
Daily
Make the most of your visit with a free one-hour guided tour of the exhibition with our friendly voluntary guides.

To book, visit nga.gov.au/whats-on

MEDIA KIT
IMAGES & VIDEO: download here.
MEDIA RELEASE: read Emily Kam Kngwarray shines bright in National Gallery’s major summer exhibition here.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Jessica Barnes
Communications Manager
M | +61 437 986 286
E | jessica.barnes@nga.gov.au or media@nga.gov.au