Awelye (Women's Ceremony)

Emily Pwerle

c. 1930's

Alyawarre

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

Acrylic on Canvas and Linen

Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Akarley (Northern Wild Orange), Anthep Awelye (Ceremonial Dance)

Emily Pwerle was born around the 1930s and is an Alyawarre artist from Atnwengerrp/Irrweltye Country in the Utopia region. She began painting for Mbantua Gallery in 2001, sharing important women's stories through her artwork.

Emily is one of the renowned Pwerle sisters, alongside the late Minnie Pwerle, the late Geyla Pwerle and the late Molly Pwerle. Together, the sisters are recognised as an important part of the Utopia art movement, each sharing their own interpretations of cultural stories and Country.

Emily's paintings focus on Awelye (Women's Ceremony and Body Paint Designs) associated with her Country, as well as Akarley (Bush Orange) stories. Her distinctive style combines strong, bold linear designs with fine dot backgrounds representing Country and cultural connections.

Through her artwork, Emily continues to share the traditions, stories and knowledge passed down through her Alyawarre heritage.