Apeng (Desert Kurrajong Tree) Flower Dreaming

Katie Kemarre

1943

Alyawarre

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

Acrylic on Canvas and Linen, Batik on Silk, Wood Sculpture

Apeng (Desert Kurrajong Tree) Flower Dreaming, Ngkweyang (Kurrajong Seed), Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Pwenty (Men's Ceremony), Antarrengeny Country, Camp Scene, Awelye (Women's Ceremony) and Pwenty (Men's Ceremony), Ceremonial Man, Lake in Antarrenge

Katie Kemarre was born in 1943 and is an Alyawarre artist from Antarrengeny Country in the Utopia region, north-east of Alice Springs. She is recognised as one of the artists who contributed to the development of the renowned Utopia art movement.

Before moving into acrylic painting, Katie was involved in the Utopia batik movement and participated in the significant Utopia - A Picture Story exhibition, featuring 88 silk batiks by Utopian artists that toured internationally. She also took part in the 1988-89 Summer Project, which introduced many Utopia artists to painting on canvas.

Working across silk batik, acrylic on canvas and linen, and wood sculpture, Katie paints stories including Apeng (Kurrajong) Dreaming, Amern Ngkweyang (Kurrajong Seed), Awelye (Women's Ceremony and body paint designs), Pwenty (Men's Ceremony), Country and camp scenes. Her artistic practice continues to evolve while remaining deeply connected to her cultural traditions.