Body Paint by Connie Petyarre (SOLD)

The designs in this painting represent awely (women’s ceremony and body paint designs) and are painted by Connie using her fingers as part of a series complete in 2008. Artists Lena Pwerle, Rosie Pwerle and Nora Petyarre were also involved.

These designs mimic those that are painted onto the chest, breasts, arms and thighs of the women preparing for women's ceremony.

Powders ground from red and yellow ochre (clays), charcoal and ash are used as body paint. The women sing the songs associated with their awely as each woman takes her turn to be ‘painted-up’. Women perform awely ceremonies to demonstrate respect for their country and the total well-being and health of their community.

Artist: Connie Petyarre
Skin name: Petyarre (also spelled Pitjara, Apetyarr, Petyarr)
Language group: Alyawarr
Country: Ngkwarlerlanem and Arnkawenyerr
Area: Utopia Region, Central Australia
Born: 1965
Read Connie Petyarre's full bio »

• Medium: Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
• Size of painting: 60cm x 60cm
• Size of canvas border: Approx 8 cm
• Background colour: Black