My Country by Edie Holmes Kemarre, 71x41cm 13113EH
My Country by Edie Holmes Kemarre, 71 x 41 cm
This beautiful painting by Edie Holmes Kemarre offers a stunning portrayal of the layered landscape surrounding Ampilatwatja, a remote community located 320 km north-east of Alice Springs in Central Australia. In a place like Ampilatwatja, having a deep knowledge of your country is essential—it means knowing when and where to hunt and gather, understanding soakages (natural underground water sources), travelling with family for ceremony, and maintaining a strong, lifelong connection to the land.
Artists from Ampilatwatja are known for their unique approach to landscape painting. Drawing on elements of traditional Western perspective, they create vibrant and detailed works that celebrate the richness, abundance and spiritual depth of their country. Their luminous colour palettes and meticulous dotting techniques bring the desert vegetation to life, forming intricate patterns that shimmer with movement and light.
Edie Kemarre Holmes was born near Hatches Creek and has four brothers and one sister. She now lives in Ampilatwatja with her children and grandchildren, enjoying the rhythms of community life.
“My father’s country is Antarrengeny, and my mother’s is Akwerantye. We paint because we love it,” she says. Edie paints her homeland, known as Apmer Mwerrangker , which means ‘beautiful country.’
“When I’m not painting, I like to go hunting—especially for goanna and bush potato. I hope I can just keep living and painting around here for a long time.”
Edie has developed a distinct style over the years, easily recognised through her delicate dot work and signature ghost gum trees. She was also one of the pioneering artists involved in the Utopian Batik movement during the 1980s.
Passionate about art, country and culture, Edie has passed on these values to her three daughters—all talented artists in their own right. The women often sit together, painting and sharing stories, continuing a tradition of creativity and connection to Country.