GREER ADAMS FINE ART

Recently sold by Pepai Jangala Carroll (c.1950-2021)

The impressive Walungurru, 2020 is part of an important body of work that Pepai created following his return to his Custodial Country in 2017, his father’s and grandmother’s country, land he had not seen since he was a child. It is was during this visit elders passed down their knowledge of Walungurru and the ancestral wanampi (rainbow serpent) that travelled nearby and is the subject of this work.

In Walungurru, 2020 Pepai has managed to distill with such sophistication, his raw variations of mark-making, like patch-work swatches that seamlessly blend together, carefully guiding the viewer though different aspects of Walungurru Country.

Pepai Jangala Carroll (c.1950-2021)
Walungurru, 2020
synthetic polymer paint on linen
180 x 170cm

(C) Pepai Jangala Carroll/ Copyright Agency 2023

Vale Tim Klingender. Your legacy is huge. Indebted to you in so many ways over the many years of working with you at Sotheby’s and Bonhams and our travels around the world. Thank you for your guidance, for sharing your infectious passion and knowledge, the fun and all the hilarity. In deep respect and gratitude. My thoughts are with Skye, your girls and family. May heaven be an even greater party than you made sure of on earth x

RARE ALBERT NAMATJIRA - SOLD

This rare, luminescent painting of Standley Chasm was a gift from Albert Namatjira to his good friend Iris Harvey.

Mrs Harvey was an Alice Springs institution, running the Arunta Bookstore and Gallery for over 50 years. She was a great patron of Central Australian art, selling painting supplies and buying finished works, and was particularly supportive of the Hermannsburg artists, developing a strong friendship with Albert Namatjira and championing his watercolours.

The family of Mrs Harvey recall that this Albert Namatjira painting of Standley Chasm was shown pride of place at the entrance to the store with a clear sign ‘Not for sale’. According to her grandson William, Iris adored the work, and it is easy to see why.

The first time this stunning work with impeccable provenance had ever been offered on the market. More information on the work in the significant sales link in bio.

Albert Namatjira (c.1902-1959)�Standley Chasm�Watercolour on lightly textured light cream wove paper �53.7 x 37.6 cm�Signed in ink, lower right corner�IMAGE: © Namatjira Legacy Trust/Copyright Agency

ROVER THOMAS – THE FIRST DOCUMENTED WORK

We are excited to announce the discovery and sale of the first ever documented work by major Aboriginal artist Rover Thomas.

The piece has been confirmed by Rover Thomas expert Dr Suzanne Spunner as the lost Rover Thomas painting that had been on display in the Wungkul community store in Warmun in late 1983.

Rover Thomas is without doubt one of Australia’s most important and collectible artists, and this work marks the beginning of his incredible artistic legacy. Here he is telling a story from his days as a stockman on Texas Downs. The painting shows Barawooban Hill where a big hole forms a natural kangaroo trap. It is depicted as the distinctive bulging teardrop shape that encloses the kangaroo.

Dr Suzanne Spunner had heard mention of this painting, and even seen a circa 1983 photograph of it, and so it is thrilling to finally confirm its existence.

Link to the article in bio.

Rover Thomas (c.1926-1998)
Kangaroo (at Barawooban), 1983
natural earth pigments, bush gum and pencil on composition board
94 x 122cm
© Rover Thomas/ Copyright Agency Limited

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards - a few gems.

1. Remay Munuŋgurr, Djambatj - The Hunter, 2021, synthetic polymer paint, ballpoint pen, oil pastel and coloured pencils on board

2. Ray Mudjandi, Virus Man 2021, natural earth pigments, gum nuts, plywood, wire

3. Alice Guinness, Burndud 2021, synthetic polymer paint on canvas

4. Ms D. Yunupiŋu, Yunupiŋu - The Rock 2018, earth pigments and recycled print toner on stringy bark

5. Foreground, detail of the stringy bark pole by Wanapati Yunupiŋu & Lena Yarinkura’s, Ngalbenbe (sun) 2022, pandanus, kurrajong, feathers, earth pigments and PVA fixative.

6. Overall winner, Margaret Rarru Garrawurra, Dhomala (pandanus sail) 2022

After two years it’s so good to be back. Darwin, as always, turning it on ✨

An unforgettable weekend with some of my Cabrogal and Dharug family on Cabrogal Country. Connecting, sharing, learning and remembering. Tully finally receiving his smoking on Cabrogal land, what’s felt like a missing piece since he was born and being painted up by his cousins. Memories we’ll never forget. So much love for this family.