Emily Kam Kngwarray

Acknowledgement Of Country

The National Gallery respectfully acknowledges we are on the Country of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples of the Kamberri/Canberra region. We recognise their continuing connection to Country and culture, and we pay our respect to their Elders, leaders and artists, past and present. We respectfully acknowledge all Traditional Custodians throughout Australia, particularly the Anmatyerr people, whose art we care for and whose stories we share.

Cultural Warning

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this resource contains images and names of artists who have passed away.

About This Resource

Emily Kam Kngwarray is one of First Nations Australia’s most celebrated and prolific artists. Kngwarray was born in Alhalker Country in the early 1900s and was known to her community by the name Kam. Beginning her commercial art career with batik, Kam Kngwarray went on to master small and large canvas works, using a diverse range of styles and techniques to express her cultural connections, knowledge, and inspiration.

Guided by curators Kelli Cole and Hetti Perkins, the Emily Kam Kngwarray learning resource considers key themes and works from Emily Kam Kngwarray, as well as Anmatyerr community members Ada Petyarr Bird and Angelina Pwerl. Focussing on three themes, learners are provided with in-depth information and quotes, whilst being encouraged to connect with and create works of art based on their own experiences.

This learning resource is split into two age groups; children & youth. It's recommended learners from ages 4-12 explore the children's content, and learners aged 10-18 utilise the youth resources. For optimal viewing, both on laptop and large screens, set your browser zoom to 90%.

Art Through Culture

The Emily Kam Kngwarray learning resources are informed by the National Gallery's Art Through Culture Principles. Art Through Culture is a set of principles used by the First Nations and broader Learning and Digital team to ensure all delivery of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art is always respectful. To learn more about the Art Through Culture principles, head down to the Related section at the end of this page.

Share Your Creations

We hope you enjoy this learning resource. We would love to see and share your creations. If you would like to share your work on our social media pages, please send us images, along with your school name, year level and the Country you are on groupbookings@nga.gov.au