Dreaming

Mariah Torres Akamarre was born in 1997 in Adelaide and is the daughter of internationally renowned and respected Aboriginal art dealer, Fred Torres.

She is a young emerging Aboriginal artist, a proud Alyawarre/Anmatyerre woman and fourth-generation painter, following in the footsteps of her grandmother and great-grandmother, Barbara Weir and Minnie Pwerle.

Mariah’s paintings represent the dreaming of her family’s country, Atnwengerrp, titled ‘Awelye – Teaching Awelye to Young Girls’.

Working in fine dot and line work on linen canvas, Mariah’s paintings translate the ceremonial markings of Awelye into contemporary form, staying true to the patterns and meaning passed down to her while bringing her own hand to the story.

Alongside her art practice, Mariah is completing her Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology and works in community health, bringing the same values of care, culture and education to both areas of her life.

Artwork Information

This piece was painted in 2026 and is 120cm x 180cm in size.

Artwork is currently stretched.

Dreaming

Awelye – Teaching Awelye to Young Girls

This dreaming was passed down to Mariah by her Nanna, the late Barbara Weir. Women’s Awelye is painted on the upper body during ceremony, as an expression of respect and love for the land. It is then taught to the younger generation of girls, alongside the dances and songs that accompany it; a sacred practice, held only by Anmatyerre and Alyawarre women.

For Mariah, this piece is more than a painting; it is a continuation of the stories, lore and connection to Country carried by the women in her family. Passing down this dreaming ensures these traditions are taught, remembered and kept alive for the next generation.

This story matters because it doesn’t survive on its own – it lives only through the women who choose to keep teaching it. Every time this dreaming is painted and shared, it’s an act of protecting that knowledge for the next generation of girls, ensuring they grow up knowing the ceremony, the songs and their responsibility to Country, just as it was given to Mariah.

Learn more here.

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.