Anthep Awelye (Ceremonial Dance)

Molly Pwerle

c. 1928

2023

Alyawarre

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

Acrylic on Canvas and Linen

Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Anemangkerr (Bush Melon) Dreaming, Akarley (Northern Wild Orange), Anthep Awelye (Ceremonial Dance)

Molly began painting in 2004 alongside her sister Geyla, encouraged by a large extended family of artists to share her stories in a creative way. Molly was the oldest female in the community, a respected elder, and a 'boss woman'. Her family includes many artists, most notably her late sister, the famed Minnie Pwerle, and her niece, Barbara Weir.

It was Minnie who, along with Barbara, inspired Molly and her younger sisters, Geyla and Emily, to begin painting. Molly's work focuses on the Anthep Awelye (Ceremonial Dance) relating to the Anemangkerr (bush melon). She used broad linear strokes to convey the Dreaming story passed down through her ancestors.