The bold linear pattern of stripes and cures throughout Geyla's painting, illustrates Awelye (Women's Ceremonial Body Paint Design). After smearing their bodies with animal fat, the women trace these designs onto their breasts, arms and thighs, singing as each woman takes her turn to be 'painted-up.' Their songs relate to the dreaming stories of ancestral travel and other totemic plants, animals and natural forces. Awelye demonstrates respect for the land. In performing these ceremonies they ensure well-being and happiness within their communities.
Although Geyla enjoys using many vivid colours in her paintings, the traditional colours used during ceremony for her dreaming stories from Atnwengerrp country are red and white. Atnwengerrp lies in the heartland of Alyawarr country, about 200 kilometres to the north-east of Alice Springs. The Awelye in Geyla's painting is associated with Anthep (Ceremonial Dance).
Although Geyla enjoys using many vivid colours in her paintings, the traditional colours used during ceremony for her dreaming stories from Atnwengerrp country are red and white. Atnwengerrp lies in the heartland of Alyawarr country, about 200 kilometres to the north-east of Alice Springs. The Awelye in Geyla's painting is associated with Anthep (Ceremonial Dance).
