Celebrating the Monumental Art of Emily Kame Kngwarreye at Tate Modern
Emily Kame Kngwarreye (also spelled Emily Kam Kngwarray), one of Australia’s most revered artists, is receiving well-deserved international recognition with the upcoming retrospective at Tate Modern. Opening on July 10, 2025, this marks the first major European solo exhibition of her work. Kngwarreye’s legacy as an influential figure in Aboriginal art is undeniable, with her extraordinary artistic output capturing the spiritual connection between her homeland and her people.
Emily Kam Kngwarray, Ntang Dreaming 1989 - National Gallery of Australia. © Estate of Emily Kam Kngwarray / DACS 2024
Born in the Utopia Homelands of the Northern Territory, Kngwarreye began her art journey in her late 70s, transitioning from traditional batik to acrylic painting. Her work became a bridge between her deep cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expression. This exhibition at Tate Modern will feature her monumental paintings and explore the profound connection Kngwarreye had to her country, Alhalkere, as reflected through her vibrant, intricate patterns.
Despite the societal expectations placed on Aboriginal women at the time, Kngwarreye pushed boundaries in the art world, with her distinctive style and profound engagement with her culture. Her innovative use of colour, dotting techniques, and line work made her a pioneering figure in the art community.
Her exhibition will offer a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of her style. The Tate Modern show will highlight her artistic journey, from her first acrylic pieces, such as Emu-Woman, to her later minimalist works. These paintings not only encapsulate Kngwarreye's personal connection to her surroundings but also tell the stories of the Anmatyerre people’s Dreaming and ancestral ties to the land. Kngwarreye’s dots evoke the rhythm and energy of the Australian landscape, while her larger, sweeping lines evoke the vastness of the desert.
One of the defining features of her work was her ability to innovate within Aboriginal art traditions. Her use of the 'dump dump' technique, where she applied paint in large sweeping strokes, and her evolving line work are just a few examples of her bold, unpretentious style. Each of Kngwarreye’s pieces tells a story—not only of the physical landscape but also of the people, flora, and fauna of her homeland, Alhalkere.
Kngwarreye’s works transcend cultural boundaries, captivating audiences around the world with their universal appeal. While her art is deeply rooted in Aboriginal traditions, it challenges the viewer to understand her work on its own terms—moving away from the Western art world’s expectations. Kelli Cole, co-curator of the Tate Modern exhibition, has said, “Her work tells a story of country—it’s bold, lush, and alive,” reinforcing the deep cultural and spiritual connection that Kngwarreye’s art represents.
The Tate Modern retrospective, alongside an exhibition at Pace Gallery in London, marks a significant moment in Kngwarreye’s artistic legacy. It celebrates the timeless nature of her work, which continues to influence new generations of artists worldwide. The exhibition will also feature Kngwarreye’s earlier batik works, highlighting her diverse artistic journey and the contributions she made to Aboriginal art.
Learn more about Emily Kam Kngwarray’s life and artistic legacy.
Exhibition Dates
10 July 2025 – 11 January 2026