Artist

Anna Petyarre was the second wife of Colin Price Kemarre (deceased 2004). Glory Ngale (deceased 2002) known for her batik work and a well-respected artist at Utopia, was Anna’s mother. Anna also worked with the Utopia Batik group.

Anna predominantly paints the dreamtime story of the Atnwelarre (Pencil Yam) and also Awelye (women’s ceremony and body paint designs). Though she only paints the Atnwelarre Dreamtime, Anna owns other Dreaming stories belonging to Alhalkere country.  Anna’s work has been exhibited extensively and her work is much sought after.

Anna divides her time between her home in Atneltyeye (Boundary Bore, Utopia Region) and Alice Springs.

Via. Mbantua Galleries

Artwork Information

This piece was painted in 2000 and is 92cm x 61cm in size.

Dreaming

Yam Dreaming: Anna’s works are colourful and intricate expressions of the songs and stories associated with her plant totem, the Bush Yam, and its seeds. The Bush Yam has been a staple food and water source for the Anmatyerre people for countless years, and the seeds that form and scatter from the plant are ground up to make flour for damper. During ceremony, it is Anna’s duty to pay homage to the yam seeds and give thanks for their abundance and regenerative qualities. By painting to the tempo of a ceremonial song, Anna expresses her connection to her plant totem in a permanent medium.

Medium

All the artwork provided is done on with highest quality linen canvas, acrylic paints, oils and brushes ensuring the longevity of each piece of work.