1943
Language Group:Alyawarre
Country:Antarrengeny, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen, Batik on Silk, Wood Sculpture
Subjects:Apeng (Kurrajong Flower) Dreaming, Ngkweyang (Kurrajong Seed), Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Pwenty (Men's Ceremony), Antarrengeny Country, Camp Scene, Awelye (Women's Ceremony) and Pwenty (Men's Ceremony), Ceremonial Man, Lake in Antarrengeny, Merne Ng
Prior to painting, Katie participated in the 'Utopia - A Picture Story' exhibition featuring silk batik works by 88 Utopian artists, which toured internationally. During 1988 and 1989, Katie was involved with the Summer Project, which introduced many Utopian's into the art of painting. It didn't take long before painting was a huge hit and the artists moved entirely from batik work into acrylic on canvas and linen. Katie's work evolves continually which reflects the nature of Katie's personality and tribe. Katie occasionally dabbles in wood carvings for art purposes where she has experience in creating wooden artefacts, such as bowls, for her community.
Katie paints Awelye (Women's Ceremonial and Body Paint Designs) for Pwenty (Men's Ceremony). The aboriginal men are dancing as they did long ago. Katie says there is no more dancing anymore because the old men are gone and the younger men are 'too shame' (embarrassed). Men are painted up with ceremonial body paint designs on their chests and thighs. They carry boomerangs and various decorated ceremonial nulla nullas (sticks).
Linear designs represent Awelye. These designs are painted onto the chest, breasts, arms and thighs. Powders ground from red and yellow ochre (clays), charcoal and ash are used as body paint and applied with a flat stick with soft padding. The women sing the songs associated with their Awelye as each woman takes her turn to be 'painted-up'. Women perform Awelye ceremonies to demonstrate respect for their country and the total well-being and health of their community.