My Country 

Emily Kame Kngwarreye created *My Country* using acrylic on canvas. The earth-toned pigments evoke the landscapes of her home in the Australian outback. The painting’s surface is defined by layers of small, rhythmic dabs of paint which build to form an intricate composition of meandering lines and textured fields. These dots are not just abstract marks, but represent the seeds and plants vital to the ecology and culture of Kngwarreye's community. Kngwarreye employed techniques learned from traditional Aboriginal art forms, such as batik, yet embraced the possibilities of modern materials. Her application of paint suggests a deep knowledge of her subject and a sensitivity for the materiality of the medium. This work challenges any simple distinction between fine art and craft, by synthesizing indigenous traditions with contemporary art practices. Ultimately, *My Country* invites us to consider the profound connection between an artist, her materials, and her cultural heritage, revealing how these elements intertwine to create artworks of remarkable depth and significance.