With 105 lots on offer, there’s an interesting mix of artworld luminaries and upcoming artists - including collector favourites Dorothy Napangardi, Rover Thomas, Tommy Watson, Judy Watson Napangardi and Minnie Pwerle. The auction standout is a striking earth pigment on canvas by Rover Thomas, Bedford Hills (Lot 9065 ) (above), one of two works recently repatriated from a collection in France and on offer for the first time on the secondary market.
The auction standout is a striking earth pigment on canvas by Rover Thomas, Bedford Hills (Lot 9065 ), one of two works recently repatriated from a collection in France and on offer for the first time on the secondary market - see also Lake Gregory (Lot 9066 ). Painted in Warmun in the Kimberley in 1996, the painting illustrates the dry earth and gentle slopes of Bedford Station, where Rover was a stockman for many years. The abstract quality on show here is something that has consistently lent to his international appeal.
A peer of Thomas, Tommy Watson – well recognised for his ceiling work in the Quai Branly, Paris - is represented with two fine acrylics, Kapi Piti Tjuta (Lot 9068 ) and Utjuri Pukara (Lot 9069 ).
Born in Mina Mina in the Northern Territory, Dorothy Napangardi (c.1956-2013) is recognised internationally for her atmospheric and intricate fine dot paintings, representing the topography and stories of her ancestral homeland. She has two works on offer here including the monumental, Mina Mina (Lot 9047 ), a monochrome acrylic on Belgian linen, presented with a DVD containing eight clips of the artist and work.
Like many of her contemporary’s Minnie Pwerle’s bold works draw on ancient cultural tradition and the imagery and gestures used in female body painting. Presented in the auction are two vibrant paintings on the same theme: Awelye (Women's Ceremony) (Lot 9008 and 9063). Equally impressive are expressive works by Judy Watson and Gloria Petyarre, respectively Mina Mina (Lot 9004 ) and Untitled (Lot 9037 ).
Since the 1990’s, Robert Turner of Warlimpirri Art has worked closely with celebrated indigenous artists from Far North Queensland and the Western and Central deserts of the Northern Territory, with galleries first in Cairns, then Alice Springs.
There are a number of works from the Warlimpirri stable in the auction, including well priced paintings from Rosemary Petyarre, Kudditji Kngwarreye and Nyilyari Tjapangati. Tingari (Lot 9048 ) is indicative of Tjapangati’s distinctive, geometric-styled renditions of areas including Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay), a destination for the Tangari ancestral men.
