Camp Scene

Lucky Morton Kngwarreye was born in 1950 near Amaroo Station and is an Alyawarre artist connected to Ngkwarlerlanem and Arnkawenyerr Country in the Utopia region. She is the eldest daughter of respected Utopia artist Mary Morton Kemarre and grew up surrounded by a strong tradition of art and cultural knowledge.

Lucky began her artistic career through the Utopia batik movement in the late 1970s, working alongside her mother and siblings. Her batik works became part of the significant Robert Holmes à Court Collection, before she transitioned to acrylic painting during the 1988-89 CAAMA The First Works on Canvas, A Summer Project.

Working across silk batik, acrylic on canvas and linen, and wood carving, Lucky creates detailed works inspired by her Country and inherited stories. Her subjects include Ilyarnayt (Acacia validinervia), Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Alpeyt (Wild Flowers), Rainbow Dreaming (Boor-la-da), Tharrkarr (Sweet Honey Grevillea), Yerrampe (Honey Ant), camp scenes and other stories connected to her homelands.

Lucky has exhibited widely throughout Australia and continues to be recognised as an important Utopia artist. Her paintings reflect her deep connection to Country, family and the cultural traditions she continues to carry forward.