This painting is the first collaborative work by Lilly Kemarre Morton and her Daughter, Julieanne Ngwarraye Morton from the Ampilawatja Community in Central Australia, north east of Alice Springs. We have been asked to sell it on the art centre’s behalf following its inclusion in the John Fries Memorial Art Prize exhibited at the UNSW Galleries in September.
The community of Ampilawatja made a conscious decision not to paint Altyerr dreaming stories but rather paint their country where those stories sit. Lilly and Julianne have painted Lilly’s country, Antarrengeny, showing the brightly coloured flowers and small bush medicine plants that are still used within the community. This landscape beautifully depicts the rich knowledge both mother and daughter possess of both medicinal plants and country, passed down for centuries within their culture. It is a stunningly fine detailed work.
As a young girl, Lilly lived traditionally off the land with her family and Alyawarr people. In Lilly’s lifetime, she has experienced and born witness to the irreversible changes of country and way of life, that were previously unchanged for thousands of years. She is a kind and gentle elder of the community and often tells stories of how life used to be in Alywarre (her language group), to her family and friends. These stories are also a great inspiration for many of the artists within the community and especially her family. Julieanne has inherited her mother’s love for nature and a deep appreciation for what their country provides.