artist – Minnie Pwerle
Artist’s profile »

community – Utopia

title: Awely Anemangkerr

year painted: 2004

dimensions: 180 x 60cm
medium: Acrylic on linen
code: 57N

stretched: yes

This artwork can be viewed at our Noosa gallery.

See all artworks by Minnie Pwerle.

about this painting:  The bold linear pattern of stripes and curves throughout Minnie’s painting illustrates women’s ceremonial body paint design. After smearing their bodies with animal fat, the women trace these designs on to their breasts, arms and thighs singing as each woman takes her turn at being ‘painted-up’.  Their songs relate to the dreaming stories of ancestral travel and other totemic plants, animals and natural forces.  Awely – woman’s ceremony, demonstrates respect for the land.  In performing these ceremonies they ensure well-being and happiness within their communities.

In this particular painting Minnie also illustrates Anemangkerr, a small fruit that she describes as being a ‘little melon’.  This fruit is high in vitamin C, and is favoured for its exceptional keeping qualities.