Abstract Painting by Ada Bird Petyarre (1930–2009)

Representing Awelye (Women's Ceremony and Body Paint Designs) for the Arnkerrthe Dreamtime story.

Australian, Circa 2000

Height: 30.5 cm / 12 inches 

Width: 31 cm / 12.25 inches 

Depth: 2.5 cm / 1 inch

£890

Ada Bird Petyarre’s work is very distinctive by her use of dot work and colour. Her main Dreaming is “Awelye” (Body Paint) where Ada depicts the various ceremonial designs painted on the bodies of the women. This style of work was acquired by the National Gallery of Australia and is a trademark of her work. In all her “Awelye” paintings, the designs she paints make reference to her Dreamings and the ceremonial designs associated with them.

Text source: 'Ada Bird Petyarre' by Pwerle Aboriginal Art Gallery