Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard)

Gloria Tamerre Petyarre

1945

2021

Anmatyerre

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

Acrylic on Canvas, Linen and Paper, Batik on Silk

Leaves, Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard) Dreaming, Alpite (Wild Flowers), Ntyerrm (Seed of the Dogwood Tree), Ntang (Edible Seeds), Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard)

Gloria Tamerre Petyarre participated in both group and solo exhibitions starting in the 1980s, showcasing her work internationally in countries such as Ireland, London, Paris, the USA, Singapore and Malaysia. Her art was included in the collections of prestigious institutions like the National Gallery of Australia, the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Westpac New York, Holmes à Court and numerous private collections. In 1999, Gloria received the Wynne Prize for Best Australian Landscape, a significant accolade in the art world.

Initially gaining recognition through silk batik, Gloria's career began at Utopia in 1978, with her work eventually being exhibited nationally and internationally. In 1988, she joined the pioneering Summer Project group, which experimented with painting on canvas. From then on, Gloria continued to develop her style using this medium.

Her first painting focused on Awelye, the women's ceremonial body paint designs. Over time, Gloria enhanced her Awelye paintings with various techniques, including sponges, handwork and even a toilet brush, adding depth and texture to her work.

Among Gloria's most renowned works was 'Leaves', which she began in April 1994 at Mosquito Bore in Utopia. She described her creative process: "That first one. I was looking, looking. Looks like leaf, and I been put another one and another one and 'ah yeah'. First leaf." This painting, displayed at the Mbantua Gallery Cultural Museum, evolved to capture leaves as if caught in swift winds, embodying a dynamic energy. This unique approach led to Gloria winning the Wynne Prize in 1999 and receiving a high commendation in 2004. Additionally, Gloria became the first Australian artist commissioned by Hermes, with her 'Leaves' design featured in Hermes' 2009 spring/summer collection under the theme 'Invitation to Travel'. The design, titled 'Le Reve de Gloria' or 'Gloria's Dreaming', was showcased on Hermes' silk scarves.