Charmaine Pwerle is a proud Alyawarre and Anmatyerre artist deeply connected to the rich cultural legacy of her grandmother Minnie Pwerle and mother Barbara Weir, two iconic figures in Australian Aboriginal art. Raised in the remote Utopia region and later educated in Adelaide, Charmaine’s art reflects a powerful blend of traditional Dreaming stories and contemporary expression. Her work often depicts women’s ceremonial practices, such as Awelye body painting and sacred rites surrounding childbirth, honoring the strength and resilience of Aboriginal women across generations.
In 2021, Charmaine expanded her artistic reach through a collaboration with The Rug Collection, transforming her Dreaming paintings into a hand-woven rug series that brings the spirit of her Country into homes worldwide. Recognized nationally and internationally, her art bridges ancient traditions and modern innovation, serving as a profound statement of identity, cultural resilience, and intergenerational love. Each piece pays tribute to her ancestors while inspiring future generations of Aboriginal storytellers.
Learn more about Charmaine Pwerle here.
This artwork was painted in 2023 and is 120cm x 90cm in size.
After high demand from our clients and the deep love for the late Minnie Pwerle, Charmaine Pwerle has brought out her latest style Awelye – Body Paint in her honour of her Grandmother Minnie.
Click on the ‘view in a room’ option to see what it would realistically look like within a space.
Artwork has been signed by the artist.
Awelye Atnwengerrp (Women’s Ceremony)
Charmaine’s ‘Awelye’ works depict the ceremonial body paint designs applied to women’s breasts and upper bodies in preparation for ceremony. The lines and motifs symbolise each woman’s connection to her Dreaming, painted using a mixture of ochre, charcoal, and ash applied with fingers or padded sticks. Circular forms represent ceremonial sites and the movement of women across Country, reflecting deep cultural and spiritual meaning.
Learn more about this dreaming here.
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.
