‘Pumpuni Jilamara’ (2002) by Kitty Kantilla. All images courtesy of Mossgreen Auctions

Incredible contemporary Indigenous art from all over Australia will be featured at Mossgreen’s annual auction of Indigenous and Oceanic art on June 6. Comprising 130 works from leading artists like Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Kitty Kantilla and Paddy Bedford, the auction caters to serious collectors. But there are pieces on the lower price spectrum too, with estimates ranging between $600 and $90, 000.  

The auction includes 26 works from the private collection of Indigenous art advocate and collector Helen Read, who has worked with Indigenous art centres in remote communities for the past three decades and established the fine art tour company Palya Art. Some of the works from Read’s collection of particular note include Pumpuni Jilamara by Kitty Kantilla, Gardagoon Country by Hector Jandany and a striking untitled work by Leo Melpi Maru.  

‘Untitled’ (1972) by Kaapa Mbitjana Tjampitjinpa

One of this year’s highlights is an early Papunya board from 1972 by Kaapa Mbitjana Tjampitjinpa, on auction for the first time. A first generation Papunya Tula artist, Tjampitjinpa was among the first wave of Australia’s 1970s Western Desert dot painters.

‘Wild Yam and Emu Food’ (1990) by Emily Kame Kngwarrey

Also on offer are two major works by Emily Kame Kngwarreye, including the vibrant Untitled (1993) and Wild Yam and Emu Food (1990).  Working in the Northern Territory, Kngwarreye is one of the most notable contemporary Indigenous artists. She passed away in 1996.

‘Untitled’ (1993) by Emily Kame Kngwarrey 

The Mossgreen 2016 Australian Indigenous and Oceanic Art Auction will take place from 6.30pm on Monday June 6 at Mossgreen Auctions, 926–930 High Street Armadale, Victoria. You can find out more here. 

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