Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard) Dreaming

Nancy Kunoth Petyarre

c. 1934

2009

Anmatyerre

Atnangkere, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Acrylic on Canvas and Linen, Batik on Silk and Cotton

Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard) Dreaming, Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Bush Medicine, Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard), Kame (Pencil Yam Seed)

Nancy Kunoth Petyarre (1934-2009) was an Anmatyerre artist connected to Atnangkere Country in the Utopia region of Central Australia. Nancy was the second eldest of the seven renowned Petyarre sisters, a group of artists who shared the Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard) Dreaming story from their Country. Each sister developed her own distinctive style, and Nancy became particularly recognised for her fine dot work representing the textured skin of the Mountain Devil Lizard.

Nancy was one of the original women involved in the Utopia batik movement, with her early works represented in the Robert Holmes à Court Collection. She later transitioned to acrylic painting on canvas and linen, continuing to share her cultural stories through her art.

Known for her quiet dedication and passion for painting, Nancy created works featuring Arnkerrthe, Awelye (women's ceremony and body paint designs), Bush Medicines and Grasses. Her artwork is held in important collections, including the National Gallery of Australia.

Nancy passed away peacefully at Utopia in August 2009, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the respected Petyarre sisters and contributors to the Utopia art movement.