Indigenous art guru collection goes to auction

Aboriginal art works from the Helen Read collection are a major highlight of Mossgreen’s annual Australian Indigenous and Oceanic Art auction from 6.30pm Monday June 6 at 926-930 High Street, Armadale.

For the past three decades, Helen Read has worked to promote a better understanding of Australian indigenous art, people and culture.

Combining her three passions for art, people and aviation, Read established Palya Art which, through tours and exhibitions, aims to highlight the importance, diversity and richness of Australian indigenous culture.

The eclectic group of 26 works offered from her collection convey Read’s love and commitment for Australian indigenous art and artists.

Works of particular note include Pumpuni Jilamara (2002) by Kitty Kantilla (Kutuwulumi Purawarrumpatu), Gardagoon Country (1993) by Hectoir Jandany and the unusual and striking Untitled (circa 1990s) by Leo Melpi Maru.

The auction contains a select group of quality works by leading Australian indigenous artists.

Highlighting these is an early Papunya board Untitled (1972) by Kaapa Mbitjna Tjampitjina, which is being offered for the first time at auction.

There are two outstanding works by Emily Kame Kngwarreye including the vibrant Untitled (1993) featured in the National Museum of Australia’s retrospective of the artist that travelled to Tokyo and Osaka, and Wild Yam and Emu Food (1990).

Other auction highlights include Paddy Bedford’s Wirwirji – Police Hole (2004) and the commanding Ngurrantinti Jila (2009) by the highly regarded award-winning contemporary artist Cory Surprise Wakartu.

Among the curated group of Australian Indigenous artefacts and Oceanic pieces on  offer is a rare and beautifully carved Untitled Carved Figure (circa 1960).