Learn about Betty Mbitjana's 'My Mother's Country' painting

My Mother's Country by Betty Mbitjana
90cm x 90cm
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas

This white on black "My Mother's Country" piece by Betty Mbitjana is inspired by women's body paint designs, as well as land formations and sacred sites on her mother's country. Betty's mother was Minnie Pwerle, one of Australia's top female artists who passed away in 2006. Her paintings were similar in design yet often found in an energetic beat of colours.

This piece by Betty beats to a different rhythm; one that quietly makes a statement, grounded in it's own space and confined to it's square boundaries. An uncommon and striking artwork.

Measuring 90cm x 90cm it is just the right size to fit in many spaces. But, it only needs to find the right one. 

About "My Mother's Country"

The arc linear patterns in this painting represent women's body paint designs. Small circles represent elements of two Dreaming stories belonging to Atnwengerrp country, Betty's mother's country; the Bush Melon and Wild Orange.

Other symbols in this painting illustrate some of the significant sites of Atnwengerrp country, Betty's mother’s country, which may be land formations, campsites or caves, flora and fauna, spiritual figures or ancestral dancing tracks, as they can still be seen today, etched in the rocks at Anthep. Anthep is an ancestral place that remains the most significant site on Atnwengerrp country. Ceremony and dance are still performed there. It is a place where everyone - men, women and children can meet together and camp. It is also a place where permanent water can be found.

Betty's mother was a renowned Aboriginal artist named Minnie Pwerle who passed away in 1996. Her work was famous for these markings and Betty was given permission by her family after her passing to continue to paint in this style.

View all available artworks by Betty Mbitjana