Katie Kemarre

Katie Morton Kemarre is a respected Alyawarre artist from Antarrengeny in the Utopia region of Central Australia. Born in 1943, she began her artistic journey in the early 1970s as part of the Utopia Women's Batik Group, participating in the landmark 'A Picture Story' exhibition that toured both Australia and internationally.

In 1988–89, Katie took part in the ‘Summer Project’, a pivotal initiative that introduced many Utopia artists to acrylic painting on canvas. Her artworks often depict Dreaming stories such as the Ngkweyang (Kurrajong Seed), rendered in intricate dotting and layered patterns that reflect the rhythms of the land and the natural cycles of growth, harvest, and renewal.

Katie’s distinctive style combines cultural depth with a refined visual aesthetic. The repetitive mark-making in her work echoes the ceremonial designs and body paint motifs used in women's Awelye (ceremonial practices), linking each painting back to the land and the stories that shape it.

Her work is held in significant public and private collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Holmes à Court Collection. Over the years, her art has been exhibited widely across Australia and overseas, contributing to the broader recognition of Aboriginal women's voices in contemporary art.

Katie Morton Kemarre’s paintings serve as a bridge between generations, celebrating her deep cultural ties and ensuring that the stories and spirit of her country continue to be shared and honoured.