c. 1938
Language Group:Anmatyerre
Country:Atnangkere, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen, Batik on Silk
Subjects:Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard) Dreaming, Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard)
Violet Petyarre is the sister of renowned artists Kathleen, Gloria, Ada Bird, Nancy, Myrtle and Jean Petyarre. Alongside many of her sisters, Violet was actively involved in the batik movement that played a crucial role in establishing the women artists of Utopia. Her work is featured in the Holmes à Court collection. Violet typically focuses on the Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming from her father's country, incorporating strong linear patterns and vibrant colours in her paintings.
The Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard) is a gentle little lizard that is covered in thorns. For added protection it is able to camouflage itself by changing its skin colour with its surroundings. The changing of skin colour is represented by the colours used in this painting.
The Arnkerrthe is very sacred to Violet and the people of her country. In the Dreamtime, the Arnkerrthe travelled over Violet's land creating all of the people, sacred sites, songs and other Dreamtime stories.
