Doreen Payne Petyarre

Doreen Payne Petyarre (1954-2024) was an Anmatyerre artist from Ngkwarlerlanem and Arnkawenyerr Country in the Utopia region of Central Australia. She was a respected painter and wood carver who shared important cultural stories through her artwork.

The daughter of the late Lena Pwerle and the late Left Hand Sam, Doreen came from a strong artistic family with deep cultural connections to Country. She was married to Harold Payne Mpetyane, and their children Bronwyn, Violet, Richard, Johnny, Jimmy and Laura have all continued the family tradition of painting and wood carving.

Doreen first worked with Mbantua Gallery through her skilled wood carvings, creating birds, lizards and ceremonial figures using traditional tools and techniques. She later became known for her acrylic paintings depicting stories from her father's Country, including Yerrampe (Honey Ant) Dreaming, Tharrkarr (Honey Grevillea), Country and Awelye (Women's Ceremony).

Her paintings reflected two distinct styles - intricate fields of fine, colourful dots representing Country and Honey Ant stories, and strong, bold linear designs representing women's ceremonial body paint designs. Through both painting and carving, Doreen celebrated the stories, traditions and knowledge passed down through generations.