Queenie Lion's Body Paint

This warm red ochre painting with crisp white lines represents Queenie Lion's ceremonial body paint.

Queenie Lion is an Alyawarr elder living in Utopia's northern most reaches; a remote part of Central Australia located on the fringes of three of Australia's largest deserts. Her country, Atnwengerrp, is nearby.

Each country has their own set of natural colours and patterns used for ceremonial designs. Queenie keeps her artworks as true as possible; using red ochre and white acrylics - the same used to paint her body and fellow countrywomen during their ceremonies. 

Equally these are the same linear patterns painted onto their bodies during ceremonies.

In the middle of this painting you can see two reverse shapes - each shape depicts the linear patterns that are painted onto a woman's upper arm, chest and breast area. 

The arc linear pattern in each of the corners reflects more of the curvilinear pattern that the lines take shape when on the body.

Pictured: Queenie Lion painted in ceremonial body paint designs.

Aboriginal body paint designs have prehistoric origins making them arguably the oldest living art form in the world.

Women perform ceremonies to demonstrate respect for their country and the total well-being and health of their community.

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