MINNIE PWERLE - AWELYE - ATNWENGERRP

 MINNIE PWERLE
AWELYE - ATNWENGERRP,  2000
90 x 122 cm
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Belgian Linen
 
PROVENANCE
Utopia, NT
Dacou Gallery, NTPrivate Collection, NSWCooee Art, NSW 
 
STORY
The bold linear patterns of stripes and curves throughout Minnieā€™s painting depicts the womens ceremonial body paint design. After smearing their bodies with animal fat, the women trace these designs onto their breasts,arms and thighs singing as each woman has a turn to be ā€�painted upā€™.The songs are all related to the Dreamtime stories of the Awely-Womens ceremony demonstrates respect for the land and in performing these ceremonies they ensure well being and happiness within the communities.