Dinny Kunoth Kemarre
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this website may contain images and names of people who have passed away.
Artist Profile · Northern Territory
Dinny Kunoth Kemarre
Utopia sculptor carving bush football heroes from bean tree wood.
Born
1954, Utopia
Language group
Anmatyerre
Community
Apungalindum, Utopia region, about 250 km north-east of Alice Springs
Medium
Acrylic on carved bean tree wood; painting
Stockman, footballer, artist
Dinny Kunoth Kemarre (also spelled Dinni) is an Anmatyerre man who lives with his family on their traditional lands at Apungalindum, in the Utopia region. Before turning to art he worked on cattle stations, mustering and branding, and played bush football.
He began making art in the mid-2000s and works alongside his wife, the artist Josie Kunoth Petyarre. Together they have helped revive the sculptural tradition that began in the Utopia homelands in the 1980s.
Bush footy in wood
Dinny is best known for his carved and painted football figures, celebrating Australian Rules football in Central Australian communities, from local bush teams to AFL stars. He carves them by hand with an axe, tomahawk and rasp from bean tree wood (Erythrina vespertilio), a light timber he and Josie gather in the bush, then paints them in team colours.
Bush football
Stock work
Carved bean wood
Recognition
- Finalist, Wynne Prize, Art Gallery of New South Wales – My footy heroes (2013) and 1000 goals (2023)
- 1000 goals, showing Lance “Buddy” Franklin kicking his 1000th goal, is in the Art Gallery of New South Wales collection
- Bush footy works shown at Tarnanthi, Art Gallery of South Australia, 2015
Buying Dinny’s work
For authenticated pieces, buy through a recognised gallery such as Mbantua Gallery or Utopia Lane Art, and always ask for a certificate of authenticity.
Works by Dinny Kunoth Kemarre on eBay
We may earn a commission from eBay listings on this page. Check the seller provides a certificate of authenticity before you buy.
