Emily Kame Kngwarray Retrospective at Fondation Opale
In Switzerland, Fondation Opale is presenting an extensive retrospective of Emily Kame Kngwarray, showcasing over 80 pieces sourced from more than 25 international lenders. This exhibition, organized in partnership with Tate Modern and the National Gallery of Australia, commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Anmatyerr artist's passing. Kngwarray, who began her painting journey in her seventies, revolutionized abstraction within a decade, drawing inspiration from her Country, kinship, and ancestral wisdom. The collection features early batiks from the Utopia community, large acrylic canvases, and works that have previously been displayed at the Venice Biennale. It also questions the Western divide between contemporary art and Indigenous knowledge systems. The exhibition will be open until 8 November 2026.
Key facts
- Fondation Opale presents the most comprehensive retrospective of Emily Kame Kngwarray.
- Over 80 works from more than 25 international lenders are included.
- The exhibition is organized in collaboration with Tate Modern and the National Gallery of Australia.
- It marks 30 years since Kngwarray's passing.
- Kngwarray began painting in her seventies and transformed abstraction in less than a decade.
- Works range from early batiks from the Utopia community to large acrylic canvases.
- Some works were previously shown at the Venice Biennale.
- The exhibition is on view until 8 November 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Emily Kame Kngwarray
- Emily Kam Kngwarray
Institutions
- Fondation Opale
- Tate Modern
- National Gallery of Australia
- L'ŒIL
Locations
- Switzerland
- Utopia
- Venice Biennale
- Lens