Kathleen Ngale was one of the most senior Anmatyerre elders and a custodian
of Arlparra in north-eastern central Australia. Born circa 1930 in the artistically
rich region of Utopia, Kathleen was raised in a family of notable artists , including
her sisters Polly and Angeline.


The wondrous swirls of pastel colours celebrate the Bush Plum, a highly valued
food source in the Utopian region. The assemblage of the desert flowers strikes
a dual viewpoint from above and on the ground. This duality of form represents
a journey through the wet and dry seasons, symbolising the survival of her
people’s culture in the modern world. The botanically exact colours of the
exquisite wildflowers of the region speak of her connection to country.
The exquisite paleKe of pastel dots is dispersed across the huge canvas,
meandering through a robust layering of paKern, conveying meaning through an
array of codified motifs that correspond to the natural features of the landscape
that speak of spiritual significance.

Kathleen Ngale’s paintings are held in the most significant Australian public
collections of the National Gallery of Victoria and the National Gallery of
Australia and have captured the attention of international public and private
collectors across the globe.