A comprehensive and richly illustrated publication celebrating the timeless art of Emily Kam Kngwarray - a pre-eminent Australian artist and one of the most significant painters of the 20th century. An Anmatyerr woman from Central Australia, Kngwarray devoted the last decades of her life to new artistic pursuits, creating works that encapsulate the experience and authority she gained throughout an extraordinary life. This book offers new insights into Emily Kam Kngwarray's life and work, featuring original research and reflections from the artist's community, curators and academics. Generously illustrated, the publication brings together Kngwarray's most significant works, from early vibrant batiks to her later monumental paintings on canvas. It includes archival images, many of which have never been published, and a visual record of community consultations and visits to Kngwarray's Country. 'Emily Kam Kngwarray' is published alongside a major retrospective exhibition of her work at the National Gallery of Australia.
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"This publication is privileged to include quotes from Emily Kam Kngwarray and her descendants, spoken in their own language, Anmatyerr. In 2010 the Central and eastern Anmatyerr to English dictionary was published, following extensive consultation and research with Anmatyerr communities and speakers of the language. The National Gallery of Australia has adopted the orthography used in this dictionary for spelling Anmatyerr words in this publication, in public programs and in the description of specific works of art in its collection. Some inconsistencies in spellings may occur for historical reasons or because of individual preferences."--Contents page verso.

"Emily Kam Kngwarray highlights the National Gallery of Australia's sustained commitment to women artists and First Nations cultures. Both are central to our vision as a national institution that inspires creativity, inclusivity, engagement and learning. The exhibition forms part of the Gallery's Know My Name initiative, which celebrates the work of women artists and is a cornerstone of our Gender Equity Action Plan."--Page 16.


"Published on the occasion of the exhibition Emily Kam Kngwarray, 2 December 2023 - 28 April 2024, National Gallery of Australia Ngunnawal Country, Parkes Place East, Parkes ACT 2600"--Colophon.

Includes bibliographical references.

Contents: Prime Minister's foreword / The Hon Anthony Albanese MP -- Chair and Director's foreword / Ryan Stokes AO and Dr Nick Mitzevich -- Introduction / Kelli Cole, Jennifer Green and Hetti Perkins -- Catalogue of works -- The life and legacy of Emily Kam Kngwarray / Hetti Perkins and Kelli Cole -- 'I am Kam' / Stephen Gilchrist -- lanterna magica: the art of Emily Kam Kngwarray / Hetti Perkins and Kelli Cole -- Mer anwekakerrenh iteth anetyel: our Country is alive / Judy Kngwarray Greenie, Jedda Kngwarray Purvis, Jennifer Kngwarray Purvis, Josie Petyarr Kunoth, Barbara Kngwarray Long, Margaret Kngwarray Long, Jean Kngwarray Long, Melissa Kngwarray Long, Patsy Kemarr Long and Sophia Lunn -- Map: Sandover region homeland communities and surrounding pastoral leases / Brenda Thornley -- Selected timeline / Chrischona Schmidt -- List of works -- Further reading -- Glossary / Jennifer Green -- Acknowledgements -- Alhalker Country photo essay / Dylan River.