This auction has ended. View lot details

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

6 — Thomas Nandjiwarra Amagula (circa 1926-1989) How the Stars Were Made (Rolla-Mano), c.1960

AU$8,000 - AU$12,000

7 — Jimmy Midjawmidjaw (circa 1897-1985) Dancers, c.1960

AU$4,000 - AU$6,000

8 — Artist Unknown (Port Keats) Untitled, c.1960

AU$2,000 - AU$3,000

9 — Mawalan Marika (circa 1908-1967) Untitled, 1960

AU$2,000 - AU$3,000

10 — Yirawala (circa 1897-1976) Kangaroo, c.1962

AU$10,000 - AU$15,000

11 — Yirawala (circa 1897-1976) Grey Rock Wallaby - Mardayin Ceremony, c.1960

AU$15,000 - AU$20,000

12 — Narritjin Maymuru (circa 1914-1982) Untitled, c.1953

AU$2,000 - AU$3,000

13 — Mawalan Marika (circa 1908-1967) Nativity Scene, c.1964

AU$18,000 - AU$25,000

14 — (Paddy) Captain Jambuwal (circa 1927-unknown) Mimih Spirit and Mythical Serpent, 1965

AU$2,000 - AU$3,000

15 — Bobby Barrdjaray Nganjmirra (1915-1992) Dugong, 1965

AU$3,000 - AU$5,000

16 — Yirawala (circa 1897-1976) Untitled (Female Figure), c.1965

AU$12,000 - AU$18,000

17 — Bobby Barrdjaray Nganjmirra (1915-1992) Jirrlgum Rock, 1965

AU$2,000 - AU$3,000

18 — Neewili (1910-1993) Untitled, 1968 73.0 x 27.0cm (28 3/4 x 10 5/8in). 76.0 x 24.0cm (29 15/16 x 9 7/16in).

AU$2,000 - AU$3,000

19 — Lofty Bardayal Nadjamerrek (1926-2009) Totemic Barramundi (Ngananarnkal), c.1970

AU$4,000 - AU$6,000

20 — Peter Maralwanga (1917-1987) (Kangaroo), c.1970

AU$4,000 - AU$6,000

21 — Waigan Djanghara (circa 1929-1996) Wandjina Spirits (Sea Turtle and Emus)

AU$4,000 - AU$6,000

22 — Peter Maralwanga (1917-1987) Young Woman Dreaming

AU$1,500 - AU$2,500

23 — Tim Leura Tjapaltjarri (circa 1929-1984) Camp Scene Near Napperby, 1973

AU$7,000 - AU$9,000

24 — Walila Marawili Baraltja height: 194.5cm (76 9/16in).

AU$1,200 - AU$1,400

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 70

Sylvia Kanytjupai Ken
(born 1965)
Seven Sisters, 2016

Amended

Important Australian Art

22 April 2021, 18:30 AEST

Melbourne, Armadale

Sold for AU$17,835 inc. premium

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Australian Art specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Ask about this lot

Australian Art

Tel: +61 2 8412 2222

australianart@bonhams.com

Jewellery (AUS)

Tel: +61 2 8412 2222

jewellery.aus@bonhams.com

Asian Art (AUS)

Tel: +61 2 8412 2222

asian.aus@bonhams.com

Alex Clark

Head of Sale, Senior Specialist

Tel: +61 3 7019 3870

Alex.Clark@bonhams.com

Client Services (Australia)

Tel: +61 2 8412 2222

info.au@bonhams.com

Merryn Schriever

Managing Director, Australia

Tel: +61 2 8220 0805

Merryn.Schriever@bonhams.com

Sylvia Kanytjupai Ken (born 1965)

Seven Sisters, 2016
inscribed verso: 'SYLVIA KEN 462-16 TJALA ART AMATA'
synthetic polymer paint on linen
199.0 x 152.5cm (78 3/8 x 60 1/16in).

Footnotes

PROVENANCE
Tjala Arts, Amata, South Australia
Private collection, Sydney

The Seven Sisters is a recurring subject in Sylvia Ken's work. It is a creation story about the constellations of Pleiades and Orion. The Sisters are Pleiades and Orion is Nyiru or Nyirunya, described as a 'lusty or bad man' who constantly pursues them whilst they continue to try and flee from him. The story incorporates the themes of transformation and magic.

Though the Seven Sisters creation story covers a vast area from the Central Desert to the West Australian coast, with numerous interpretations across multiple language groups, Ken's elaborate representations of the country and the night sky throughout which the sisters travel, are unique. A self-professed innovator, intentionally diverging from the palettes used by other artists, Ken's large scale works transmit the richly varied tones of the earth and sky.

This painting is accompanied by Tjala Arts documentation.

Saleroom notices

The work was purchased from Desert Mob, Alice Springs in 2016

EXHIBITED
Desert Mob, Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs, 8 September – 23 October 2016

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
For all Sales categories excluding Motor Cars and Motorcycles:
Buyer's Premium Rates
23% on the Hammer Price
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
GST at the current rate of 10% will be added to the Buyer's Premium and charges.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Aboriginal Art
- Australian Art