MUSE
Emily Kame Kngwarreye
When we were looking into researching our AW20 Eclipse collection, Chloe pointed me in the direction of the most fabulous Emily Kame Kngwarrye, an Aboriginal Australian artist from the Utopia community in the Northern Territory. Kngwarrye was perhaps Australia’s most important and prolific artist, although she only painted onto canvas for the last eight years of her life.
She drew on her experience of working with batik and was inspired by her enormous connection to her surroundings, the native desert community. Often her starting point would be mapping, viewing the land from above to which she would apply many dots or tracks in mesmerising glorious colours.
It was Kngwarrye magnificent use of colour and such bold layering of paint that first drew me in, but as one keeps looking you get an immense appreciation of her vibrant world. One’s impression is that each canvas has captured a small piece of her unique environment, you feel the animal tracks, the changing seasons, the local flora and fauna. There are some lovely photographs of her painting, making instinctive marks capturing a moment and the natural energy all around her. She would lay her canvas on the floor and paint standing directly above or sit/crouch next to her canvas often using two brushes at a time, in a totally fearless manner.
Writing this journal piece has encouraged me to look back at her paintings and once again I realise how much I am moved by them.
- Heti Gervis
Alhalkere - My Country 1994 by Emily Kame Kngwarreye
For further reading, these articles were interesting and full of Emily’s beautiful work.
Painting Utopia, a Collection of her works at Art Gallery NSW, ‘Emily, the impossible modernist’ by Artlink.
Beth, as inspired by Emily Kame Kngwarreye. 70cm Square, 100% Silk Satin.
About the Print
We take inspiration from the wonderful world of John Emslie, the British drawer and engraver. Our imaginary cosmos is created by setting geometric forms against dancing unicorns, prowling leopards alongside scattered hand painted flowers. The central firework burst refers to vintage Japanese illustrations, all creating a feeling of intensity and depth. The soft tonal pinks are inspired by Aboriginal artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye.
Style Notes
Made from the finest Italian Silk Satin, Beth showcases our abstract cosmos. Wear as a statement by simply tying at the neck, and leaving the ends free for a bold look. Alternatively, for a work look simply fold into a band along the diagonal and double around the neck and knot for a chic touch of colour.
Product Details
Rose
Printed Silk Scarf
Rolled Hem Finish
100% Silk Satin
70cm Square
Dry Clean
Made in Italy