
REVERENCE 2023 | Melbourne
27 October 2023 – 01 December 2023
About Exhibition
REVERENCE, our annual exhibition featuring works of art by leading Australian First Nations artists.
This year we are very excited to ‘flip the script’ and highlight twenty contemporary works from the phenomenal private collection of Barrie and Jude Le Pley.
Of the many highlights are works by Stumpy Brown, Pulpurru Davies, Timothy Cook, Kuwayi Nampitjinpa, Regina Wilson and three by Nora Wompi, which are unsurpassed in quality.
And we are honoured to represent the rarely found work of Tommy McRae – Before the Fight – A War Dance circa 1890s. This work was sold through Sotheby’s in 2005 and has not been seen in the public realm ever since.
Works

Nyuju Stumpy Brown, Jila Country, 2005
Nyuju Stumpy Brown,
Jila Country 2005
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
100 x 140 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Mangkatja Arts, Western Australia, cat. no. pc173/05 Redot Fine Art Gallery, Singapore The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
Sold

Tjapartji Bates, Kungkarrangkalpa, 2011
Tjapartji Bates,
Kungkarrangkalpa 2011
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
101.6 x 121.9 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Warakurna Artists, Western Australia, cat. no. 414-11 Merenda Group, Western Australia The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
$8,800
On Hold

Wakartu Cory Surprise, Jila Jalpul, 2009
Wakartu Cory Surprise,
Jila Jalpul 2009
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
120 x 120 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Mangkaja Arts, Western Australia, cat. no. 362/09 Raft Artspace, Northern Territory The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
$12,000
On Hold

Pulpurru Davies, Kutuntjarra, 2007
Pulpurru Davies,
Kutuntjarra 2007
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
152 x 214 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Kayili Artists, Western Australia, cat. no. 07-194 Palya Art, Northern Territory The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
Sold

Jakayu Biljabu, Pitu Yilanky, 2009
Jakayu Biljabu,
Pitu Yilanky 2009
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
122 x 182 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Martumili Artists, Western Australia, cat. no. 09-051 Aboriginal & Pacific Art, Sydney The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
$24,000
For Sale

Mabel Juli, Gulungurreny, 2008
Mabel Juli,
Gulungurreny 2008
Natural earth pigment with synthetic binder on linen
120 x 180 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Warmun Art, Western Australia, cat. no. WAC 228/08 The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
Sold

Timothy Cook, Kulama, 2008
Timothy Cook,
Kulama 2008
Natural earth pigment with synthetic binder on linen
150 x 120 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Jilamara Arts, Northern Territory, cat. no. 234-08 Seva Frangos Art, Northern Territory The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
$18,000
On Hold

Nyilyari Tjapangati, Untitled - Wilkinkarra, 2009
Nyilyari Tjapangati,
Untitled - Wilkinkarra 2009
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
183 x 244 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Papunya Tula Artists, Northern Territory, cat. no. NT0904140 Cross Cultural Art Exchange, Northern Territory The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
$80,000
On Hold

Joseph Jurra Tjapaltjarri, Untitled - Pukaratjina, 2006
Joseph Jurra Tjapaltjarri,
Untitled - Pukaratjina 2006
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
91 x 91 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Papunya Tula Artists, Northern Territory, cat. no. JJ0609045 Utopia Art Sydney, New South Wales The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
Sold

Bobby West Tjupurrula, Untitled - Karilwarra, 2010
Bobby West Tjupurrula,
Untitled - Karilwarra 2010
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
91 x 91 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Papunya Tula Artists, Northern Territory, cat. no. BW1003030 Cross Cultural Art Exchange, Northern Territory The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
Sold

Kawayi Nampitjinpa, Untitled - Wanampi at Pinpirrnga, 2010
Kawayi Nampitjinpa,
Untitled - Wanampi at Pinpirrnga 2010
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
153 x 183 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Papunya Tula Artists, Northern Territory, cat. no. KN1012069 Cross Cultural Art Exchange, Northern Territory The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
Sold

Pastor Roy Yaltjanki, Watiku Tjukurpa, 2008
Pastor Roy Yaltjanki,
Watiku Tjukurpa 2008
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
95.5 x 133 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Maruku Arts, Northern Territory, cat. no. DX1525 The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
Sold

Wingu Tingima, Kungkarragkalpa - Seven Sisters' Story, 2008
Wingu Tingima,
Kungkarragkalpa - Seven Sisters' Story 2008
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
131 x 201 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Tjungu Palya, South Australia, cat. no. 08350 Vivien Anderson Gallery, Melbourne The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
$30,000
On Hold

Regina Wilson, Durrmu, 2008
Regina Wilson,
Durrmu 2008
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
200 x 200 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Durrmu Arts, Northern Territory, cat. no. 437 Raft Artspace, Northern Territory The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
$38,000
On Hold

Eubena Nampitjin, Midjul, 2007
Eubena Nampitjin,
Midjul 2007
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
150 x 75 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Warlayirti Artists, Western Australia, cat. no. 1473/07 Raft Artspace, Northern Territory The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
$24,000
For Sale

Christine Yukenbarri, Winpurpurla, 2008
Christine Yukenbarri,
Winpurpurla 2008
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
150 x 100 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Warlayirti Artists, Western Australia, cat. no. 677/08 The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
Sold

Nora Wompi, Kunawarratji, 2008
Nora Wompi,
Kunawarratji 2008
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
180 x 120 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Warlayirti Artists, Western Australia, cat.303/08 Suzanne O'Connell Gallery, Brisbane The Le PLey Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
$12,000
For Sale

Nora Wompi, Kunawarratji, 2008
Nora Wompi,
Kunawarratji 2008
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
180 x 120 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Warlayirti Artists, Western Australia, cat. no.372/08 Suzanne O'Connell Gallery, Brisbane The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
$12,000
For Sale

Nora Wompi, Kunawarratji, 2007
Nora Wompi,
Kunawarratji 2007
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
180 x 120 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Walayirti Artists, Western Australia, cat. no. 1316/07 Suzanne O'Connell Gallery, Brisbane The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
$12,000
For Sale

Sonia Kurarra, Barramundi's Swimming, 2010
Sonia Kurarra,
Barramundi's Swimming 2010
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
180 x 240 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Mangkaja Arts, Western Australia, cat. no. 385/10 The Le PLey Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
$22,000
On Hold

Tommy McRae, Before the Fight - A War Dance, circa 1890s
Tommy McRae,
Before the Fight - A War Dance circa 1890s
ink on paper
24.1 x 34.4 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist George McMahon, Albury, New South Wales, acquired from the above circa 1890s by descent , South Australia Aboriginal & Oceanic Art, Sotheby's, Melbourne, 15 November 2005, lot 53 , acquired from the above Acquired directly from the artist by George McMahon, a customs officer at Albury on the New South Wales/Victoria border, and then by direct descent.
Private Collection
Sold

Charlie Barramundi Nadjombolmi, Untitled - Mimi spearing Barramundi, circa 1950s
Charlie Barramundi Nadjombolmi,
Untitled - Mimi spearing Barramundi circa 1950s
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark
49.2 x 32.3 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Painted in Western Arnhem Land circa 1950s Church Missionary Society of Australia - CMS, Sydney Harry Williamson, New South Wales, acquired from the above in 1962 This bark has remained in the possession of designer Harry Williamson - including during the period that he designed the 1988 Bicentennial commemorative $10 currency note for the Reserve Bank of Australia, which celebrated First Nations art and culture. Coincidentally, the design of the note included a detail of rock art by Nadjombolmi.
$28,000
On Hold

Declan Apuatimi, Bima, circa 1975
Declan Apuatimi,
Bima circa 1975
natural earth pigments on carved ironwood
47.5 x 12 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Painted at Melville Island circa 1975 , Sydney, acquired from the above circa 1975 Aboriginal Art, Sotheby's, Melbourne, 24 June 2002, lot 54 The Kelton Collection, United States of America, acquired from the above , Switzerland, acquired from the above in 2021
Private Collection
Sold

Mani Luki Wommatakimmi, Bima, 1965
Mani Luki Wommatakimmi,
Bima 1965
Natural earth pigments on carved hardwood
68 x 10 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist , Northern Territory, collected in 1965 By descent , Queensland Ryan Ormsby, Queensland, acquired from the above in 2010 , Western Australia, acquired from the above in 2022 The carving was gifted for his work in community to the original owner - who was a Doctor that worked in the region.
Private Collection
$25,000
On Hold

Len Thompson Puruntatameri, Untitled - Tutini, 1978
Len Thompson Puruntatameri,
Untitled - Tutini 1978
natural earth pigments on carved ironwood
200 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Created at Melville Islands, Tiwi Aboriginal Artists Agency, Sydney The Kelton Collection, United States of America, acquired from the above in 1979 , Switzerland, acquired from the above in 2021
Private Collection
$18,000
On Hold

Stephen Bennett Portaminni, Untitled - Tutini, 1978
Stephen Bennett Portaminni,
Untitled - Tutini 1978
natural earth pigments on carved ironwood
248 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Created on Bathurst Island 1978 Aboriginal Artists Agency, Sydney The Kelton Collection, United States of America, acquired from the above in 1979 , Switzerland, acquired from the above in 2021
Private Collection
$18,000
On Hold

Bonaventure Timaepatua, Untitled - Tutini, 1978
Bonaventure Timaepatua,
Untitled - Tutini 1978
natural earth pigments on carved ironwood
213 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Created Melville Island 1978 Aboriginal Artists Agency, Sydney The Kelton Collection, United States of America, acquired from the above in 1979 , Switzerland, acquired from the above in 2021
Private Collection
$18,000
On Hold

Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula, Dingoes Watch a Corroboree, 1973
Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula,
Dingoes Watch a Corroboree 1973
Synthetic polymer paint on composition board
79 x 61.2 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Painted at Papunya, Northern Territory, in 1973 Papunya Tula Artists, Northern Territory, cat. no. JW 731111 , Canada, acquired from the above
Private Collection
Sold

Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, Untitled - Ground and Body Designs Used in Ceremonies at Arranki on Mt Allan Station, 1982
Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri,
Untitled - Ground and Body Designs Used in Ceremonies at Arranki on Mt Allan Station 1982
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
61 x 101.5 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Papunya Tula Artists, Northern Territory, cat. no. CP821104 Gallery Gabrielle Pizzi, Melbourne , Melbourne, acquired from the above in 1983 Important Aboriginal Art, Sotheby's, Melbourne, 24 July 2007, lot 116 The Le Pley Collection, Western Australia, acquired from the above
Private Collection
$72,000
On Hold

Donkeyman Lee Tjupurrula, Untitled - Tjarrkulnga and Tjul, 1989
Donkeyman Lee Tjupurrula,
Untitled - Tjarrkulnga and Tjul 1989
synthetic polymer paint on artists' board
45.7 x 60.9 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Warlayirti Artists, Western Australia, cat. no. 97/89 Broome Art Gallery, Western Australia , Western Australia
Private Collection
Sold

Darby Jampinjinpa Ross, Ngapa Jukurrpa - Rain Dreaming, 1989
Darby Jampinjinpa Ross,
Ngapa Jukurrpa - Rain Dreaming 1989
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
152 x 60.5 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Warlukurlangu Artists, Northern Territory, cat. no. 159/89 , Melbourne, acquired from the above in 1990
Private Collection
$25,000
For Sale

Ginger Riley, Untitled - Limmen Bight Country, 1995
Ginger Riley,
Untitled - Limmen Bight Country 1995
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
188 x 196 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne, cat. no. AK3314 , Melbourne, acquired from the above
Private Collection
$85,000
For Sale

Angelina Pwerle, Arlperre Awelye, 1998
Angelina Pwerle,
Arlperre Awelye 1998
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
149 x 91 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Delmore Gallery, Northern Territory, cat. no. 98A038 The Thomas Vroom Collection, Netherlands, acquired from the above The Thomas Vroom Collection, Leonard Joel, Melbourne, 26 February 2017, lot 363 , Melbourne, acquired from the above Indigenous Art, Leonard Joel, Melbourne, 24 February 2021, lot 12 , Sydney, acquired from the above
Private Collection
$36,000
For Sale

Paddy Bedford, Motor Car Yard, 1999
Paddy Bedford,
Motor Car Yard 1999
Natural earth pigment with synthetic binder on linen
122 x 135 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Jirrawun Arts, Western Australia William Mora Galleries, Melbourne , Perth, acquired from the above
Private Collection
$120,000
For Sale

Paddy Bedford, Mud Springs, 2001
Paddy Bedford,
Mud Springs 2001
Natural earth pigment with synthetic binder on linen
122 x 135 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Jirrawun Arts, Western Australia William Mora Galleries, Melbourne , Perth, acquired from the above
Private Collection
$140,000
For Sale

Dorothy Napangardi, Salt on Mina Mina, 2003
Dorothy Napangardi,
Salt on Mina Mina 2003
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
91 x 91 cm
PROVENANCE
Gallery Gondwana, Northern Territory, cat. no. 7771DN , Sydney
Private Collection
$18,000
On Hold

Bobby West Tjupurrula, Untitled, 2000
Bobby West Tjupurrula,
Untitled 2000
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
153 x 122 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Papunya Tula Artists, Northern Territory, cat. no. BW 0012067 William Mora Galleries, Melbourne , Melbourne, acquired from the above in 2001
Private Collection
$30,000
For Sale

Makinti Napanangka, Untitled - Lupulnga, 2003
Makinti Napanangka,
Untitled - Lupulnga 2003
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
122 x 91 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Papunya Tula Artists, Northern Territory, cat. no. MN0310303 , Northern Territory, acquired from the above in 2003
Private Collection
Sold

Naata Nungurrayi, Untitled - Marrapinti, 2005
Naata Nungurrayi,
Untitled - Marrapinti 2005
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
92 x 61 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Papunya Tula Artists, Northern Territory, cat. no. NN0508160 Gallery Gabrielle Pizzi, Melbourne , Melbourne Australian Indigenous & Oceanic Art featuring works from the Helen Read Collection, Mossgreen Auctions, Melbourne, 06/06/2016, Lot. No. 2. , Melbourne, acquired from the above
Private Collection
Sold

John Mawurndjul, Untitled - Lorrkon, 2005
John Mawurndjul,
Untitled - Lorrkon 2005
Natural earth pigments and synthetic binders on hollow log
247 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Maningrida Arts & Culture, Northern Territory, cat. no. 3037-05 Annandale Galleries, Sydney , Queensland, acquired from the above
Private Collection
$50,000
For Sale

Tjumpo Tjapanangka, Wilkinkarra - Glass Coolamon, 2005
Tjumpo Tjapanangka,
Wilkinkarra - Glass Coolamon 2005
fused glass
57 x 21 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Warlayirti Artists, Western Australia, cat. no. 999/05 Northern Editions, Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory , Melbourne, acquired from the above in 2007
Private Collection
Sold

Eubena Nampitjin, Untitled - Glass Coolamon, 2007
Eubena Nampitjin,
Untitled - Glass Coolamon 2007
fused glass
57 x 16.5 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Warlayirti Artists, Western Australia, cat. no. 101/07 Northern Editions, Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory , Melbourne, acquired from the above in 2007
Private Collection
Sold

Bill Whiskey Tjapaltjarri, Rockholes near the Olgas, 2008
Bill Whiskey Tjapaltjarri,
Rockholes near the Olgas 2008
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
120 x 120 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Watiyawanu Artists, Northern Territory, cat. no. 77-0832 , Melbourne, acquired from the above
Private Collection
$48,000
For Sale

Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu, Larrani, 2011
Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu,
Larrani 2011
Natural earth pigments on hollow log
153 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Buku-Ḻarrŋgay Mulka, Northern Territory, cat. no. 4129Q The McGeoch Collection, Melbourne, acquired from the above in 2011
Sold

Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu, Nyapanyap, 2013
Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu,
Nyapanyap 2013
Earth pigments on stringybark
154 x 84 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Buku-Ḻarrŋgay Mulka, Northern Territory, cat. no. 4408T Yaama Ganu Gallery, New South Wales , Victoria, acquired from the above in 2018
Private Collection
Sold

Noŋgirrŋa Marawili, Baratjala, 2018
Noŋgirrŋa Marawili,
Baratjala 2018
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark
116 x 70 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Buku-Ḻarrŋgay Mulka Centre, Northern Territory Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne, cat. no. AK21546 , Victoria, acquired from the above in 2018
Private Collection
Sold

Jenni Kemarre Martinello, Untitled - Large Dark Eel Trap, 2014
Jenni Kemarre Martinello,
Untitled - Large Dark Eel Trap 2014
Hot blown glass with canes
105 x 27 x 27 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Salon De Refusés, Northern Territory, 2014 , Melbourne, acquired from the above
Private Collection
$18,000
On Hold

Sylvia Kanytjupai Ken, Seven Sisters, 2017
Sylvia Kanytjupai Ken,
Seven Sisters 2017
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
197 x 198 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Tjala Arts, South Australia, cat. no. 398-17 Outstation Gallery, Darwin , Sydney, acquired from the above in 2017
Private Collection
$25,000
For Sale

Carbiene McDonald Tjangala, Four Dreamings, 2020
Carbiene McDonald Tjangala,
Four Dreamings 2020
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
152 x 274 cm
PROVENANCE
The Artist Papunya Tjupi Arts, Northern Territory, 95-20 Raft Artspace, Northern Territory , Victoria, acquired from the above in 2020
Private Collection
Sold