KATHLEEN NGALE - Anwekety

Kathleen Ngale Pwerle began her artistic journey in the late 1970s, working with batik alongside other women in the Utopia region. This early movement became a significant moment in Aboriginal art history, documented in Utopia: A Picture Story.

By the 1980s, Kathleen transitioned to acrylic on canvas, where her practice truly flourished. She became widely recognised for her vibrant yet beautifully minimal depictions of Anwekety (Bush Plum), a subject deeply connected to her Country and cultural knowledge. Her works are celebrated for their balance, movement, and striking simplicity—making them highly sought after by collectors across Australia and internationally.

Kathleen came from a renowned family of artists, including her sisters Polly Ngale and Angelina Ngale Pwerle, both highly respected in their own right.

The Bush Plum is a significant plant in her culture. After rain, it produces delicate, fragrant flowers before ripening into a small, sweet black fruit, often referred to as Conkerberry. Traditionally, women would collect the fruit, soak it in water before eating, or dry and store it. The plant also holds important medicinal properties, with its bark and roots used in traditional healing practices.

This exceptional painting, created in 2007, is a powerful example of Kathleen’s signature style—refined, expressive, and deeply connected to Country.

Kathleen passed away in 2021, followed by her sister Polly in 2022. Their legacy continues through their artworks, which remain an important part of contemporary Aboriginal art.

This piece was acquired directly from the artist and comes with a gallery certificate of authenticity.