Ainsworth collection offers several large canvases

Several large scale canvases by some of the most well-known Australian indigenous and non-indigenous artists are among highlights of the K.D.H Ainsworth collection to be auctioned from 7pm Wednesday March 26 by Deutscher and Hackett at 105 Commercial Road, South Yarra.

Three works by leading Kimberley artist Paddy Bedford, who died in July 2007, are in the sale.

They include Mendoowoorrji – Medicine Pocket 2006 (catalogue estimate $120,000-$150,000) and Merrmerrji – Queensland Creek 2004 ($110,000-$140,000), which were part of the artist’s 2007 retrospective at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney.

Another painting of significance is Kutarmiti, 2008 by the late Wakartu Cory Surprise, which was acquired at the 2008 Melbourne Art Fair and is the largest work ever completed by the artist.

The collection also features two major paintings by Lawrence Daws – Night Pool 2006 and Running Figures 1975 – and important large works by William Robinson, Tim Storrier, Freddie Timms and renowned women artists from the central and Western desert regions of Australia.

Key examples are Yukuyltji Napangati’s Yunala 2006, Lily Morton Akemarr’s Arreth 2003 and Parwalla 2006 by the highly sought after Elizabeth Nyumi Nungarri.

On the same evening, Deutscher and Hackett will hold its Aboriginal and Oceanic Art auction containing important works by leading indigenous artists, most fresh to the market.

Included are several important paintings by Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Lin Onus and three significant early Papunya boards from the first years of painting.