Sandhills (2008) Painting by Lilly Kelly

Lily Kelly Napangardi was born in Haasts Bluff, Northern Territory, Australia in 1948, and her artistic journey began in the 1960s when she relocated to the emerging artist settlement of Papunya. In this vibrant community, Lily discovered her passion for painting, initially assisting her husband, the esteemed artist Norman Kelly. However, it wasn't until the early 1980s, upon returning to Mt Liebig with her husband, that Lily Kelly Napangardi embarked on her own artistic career.

Her talent quickly garnered recognition, and in 1986, Lily secured the Northern Territory Art Award for painting, a testament to her evolving skills and distinctive style. Notably, she triumphed in the General Painting Category at the 20th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards in 2003, solidifying her status as a noteworthy figure in the art world.

In 2006, the Australian Art Collector Magazine honored Lily Kelly Napangardi by including her in the prestigious list of "Australia’s 50 Most Collectable Artists." This recognition underscored her significant contribution to the contemporary art scene.

Lily's artistic focus primarily centered on the depiction of her homeland's sand hills, winds, and the desert environment post-rainfall. Her paintings, offering a bird's eye perspective, capture the fluid movement of sand across the hills near Kintore, a narrative passed down from her grandfather.

Utilizing a technique of intricate microcosmic dots and dashes, Lily Kelly Napangardi crafted works with subtle details that engage and captivate the viewer. These details create a dynamic visual experience, guiding the observer's eyes across the canvas.

Renowned as one of Australia's most distinguished Aboriginal artists, Lily Kelly Napangardi gained international acclaim as one of the world's premier modern abstract artists. Her innovative and groundbreaking work became highly sought-after by both museums and private collectors worldwide.

The sheer physical presence of Lily Kelly's paintings, coupled with their multi-dimensional illusion of space and depth, set her apart in the contemporary art landscape. In July 2007, a Lily Kelly Sand Hills painting exemplified her commercial success, selling for an impressive $39,600 at Sotheby's. Lily Kelly Napangardi's enduring legacy lies not only in the monetary value of her works but also in the profound impact she made on the global appreciation of contemporary Indigenous art.

• Nationality: AUSTRALIA
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains: Represented by a Gallery,
• Groups: Contemporary Australian Artists Artists presented by a gallery