Anwekety (Conkerberry)

Kathleen Ngale

c. 1934

2021

Anmatyerre

Ahalpere, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Acrylic on Canvas and Linen, Batik on Silk, Seed Jewellery

Anwekety (Conkerberry)

Kathleen Ngale (c.1934-2021) was an Anmatyerre artist from Ahalpere Country in the Utopia region, north-east of Alice Springs. She began her artistic journey during the late 1970s as part of the renowned Utopia women's batik movement, with her work included in the significant Utopia - A Picture Story collection.

When acrylic painting became popular among Utopia artists in the late 1980s, Kathleen transitioned from batik to canvas, developing a distinctive style centred around Anwekety (Bush Plum or Conkerberry). Her simple yet powerful compositions gained international recognition, with her works exhibited widely and featured in Aboriginal art auctions.

Working across acrylic on canvas and linen, silk batik and seed jewellery, Kathleen shared her cultural knowledge through her art and her stories of Country. Her colourful paintings continue to reflect her energy, connection to tradition and the importance of passing knowledge between generations.

A vibrant and energetic woman, Kathleen left a lasting legacy through her paintings and the knowledge she shared with the next generation. Her influence continues through her family, including her children who have also become artists, and through the enduring appreciation of her beautiful representations of Utopia Country.