Desert colourists

While up in Perth last week I managed to catch the exhibition at Japinka Gallery in Fremantle where works by Lorna Napurrula Fencer and Kudditji Kngwarreye were being shown. The exhibition continues till 12 September 2012.

Kudditji Kngwarreye My Country - Fire Series 120x90cm

They are mostly quite large works best viewed in natural light, I believe, perhaps because they were originally created out in strong inland sunlight. Anyway the colours always seem to sing when the sunlight streams in through the windows of the gallery.

Lorna Napurrula Fencer Yarla Jukurrpa - Bush Yam Dreaming 183x138cm

Lorna Napurrula Fencer was born in about 1923 at Yartulu Yartulu  and died in 2006. She was a custodian of the Dreamings associated with Yumurrpa in the region of the Tanami Desert and of bush potato (yarla), caterpillar (luju) , water and others foods.

Lorna Napurrula Fencer Spring water at Yumurrpa 214x138cm

Kuddiitji Kngwarreye was born in about 1928 at Alhalkere in Utopia north east of Alice Springs. His language group is Eastern Anmatyerre and he is the younger brother of the well known Emily Kame Kngwarreye. He is a custodian of the Dreamings associated with Men's Ceremonial sites from Boundary Bore and for Emu Dreaming. Both artists began painting on canvas in the 1980's.

Kudditji Kngwarreye My Country - Rainy season 150x120cm

I can really feel that strong shaft of sunlight in the stormy weather highlighting the red dirt and bouncing off the sheets of water. Even on the cloudiest of days the red colour is ever present.

Kudditji Kngwarreye My Country 150x120cm

After the rains of course the country springs to life. The vegetation greens up, masses of ephemerals begin flowering, and the country changes colour. This is the time for caterpillars to hatch and grow while there is plenty to eat.

Lorna Napurrula Fencer Yirrirlparti Jukurrpa - Caterpillar dreaming 214x138cm

Link to Japinka Gallery here. All images are from Japinka Gallery.