c. 1930's
Deceased:2007
Language Group:Anmatyerre
Country:Ahalpere, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen, Batik on Silk
Subjects:Anwekety (Conkerberry), Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Ahakeye (Bush Plum) Dreaming
Ally began painting during the CAAMA - A Summer Project of 1988/89 when acrylic painting was introduced to her home region of Utopia. Though far from prolific, Ally steadily painted up until her death in 2007. Her simplistic paintings reflected the Anwekety, small black conkerberries that grow after good rain. They are found abundantly in certain areas of Utopia, particularly where she called home.
Ally lived in a family community where many members were artists; primarily painting with some sculpture. Some of these family members include Glady Kemarre, Angelina Pwerle and Polly and Kathleen Ngale whom all paint for Mbantua Gallery. With her art, Ally tried to teach the wider world about her paintings and the Anwekety that features in them.
Ally paints the story of the Ahakeye. This a very important story for Ally that belongs to her country, Ahalpere. The ahakeye, called bush plum in English by Ally, is also known as the native currant or citrus. This shrub produces small white flowers, deep green citrus-like leaves and the ahakeye, which are black when ripe and very small. This fruit is favoured for its sweet taste and can be reconstituted in water if dry.
