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Minnie Pwerle |
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| Minnie Pwerle was born around 1910 in the Utopia region. As one of 6 six children she enjoyed a colourful childhood, later becoming the mother of 7 children of her own; Minnie was always a well-loved member of a large family. Her country is known as Atnwengerrp and her languages Anmatyerre and Alyawarr. Minnie's career as an artist began through Aboriginal ceremony and ritual. Her craft instigated by her appointment as a body painter during Women's ceremonies. Body paint designs are worn to represent Dreamings and various symbols specific to particular rituals. Usually the upper body is covered in animal fat and intricate designs painted on the chest, back and arms with paints made from ochre's. It was not until 1999 at approximately 80 + years of age, that Minnie began painting on canvas. Her first series of works painted at the Utopia Communities workshops were linear paintings, expressing a bold, free-flowing, enigmatic style that quickly drew the interest of critics and art lovers alike. The artists primary Dreamings include "Awelye - Atnwengerrp" (Women's Dreaming), "Bush Melon", and "Bush Melon Seed". The Bush Melon itself once bountiful in supply has slowly diminished over time. The fruit could be eaten immediately or dried and stored for later use. A plant specific to the Atnwengerrp region, Minnie's Dreamings tell the story of a treasured delicacy that sustained her people for long periods of time. Linear designs of circles, curves and breast designs depict the "Bush Melon", while "Bush Melon Seed" is represented by large and small patches of colour strewn across the canvas. Lines of various width and colour represent the body paint designs worn by the women during ceremony or "Women's Dreaming". As the mother of Barbara Weir, also a well know Aboriginal artist, it is clear that Minnie has successfully past on her talent. Her contributions to the Aboriginal art movement have been invaluable, as a respected elder of her community her work offers insight in to the spiritual world of the Australian Aborigine, whilst providing visual art lovers with a striking, and highly unique collection of works to enjoy. |
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