About the Artists
Our vibrant and dynamic artists are from the Utopia region; a large remote area of Central Australia which, until recently, had no government funded art centre. As a result of their pioneering efforts, they have one of the strongest and richest art histories.
The Wild Onion Flower through a different lens
Wild Onion Flower by Carmen Jones Petyarre
30cm x 30cm each
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
We love these two paintings by Carmen Jones Petyarre. They are vibrant and colourful representations of the fine grassy foliage of the wild onion (Cyperus bulbosus), an important bush food in Central Australia.
Known in other areas as yalka, nalgoo or onion grass, Carmen's people call it irreyakwerr. Women of Carmen's country, Arawerr, own a Dreaming story for the irreyakwerr in which they carry out ceremonies to demonstrate respect for its origins and ensure its productivity.
The irreyakwerr is one of the most important food plants occurring in Central Australia, growing throughout the area and producing bulbs (onions) all year round except for a few weeks after rain when they germinate to form new plants. The onions have a dark papery skin that covers their white inner flesh. The onions need to be peeled before being consumed.
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