![]() | Born: Unknown Language Group: Alyawarre Country: Atnwengerrp, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs Medium: Acrylic on Canvas and Linen Subjects: Awelye (Women's Ceremony and Body Paint Designs), Anemangkerr (Small Melon) |
Molly began painting in 2004 with her sister Geyla after being encouraged by a very large extended family of artists to experience the pleasure of teaching her stories in a creative way. Famed artist Minnie Pwerle is her older sister.
Collections
Mbantua Gallery Permanent Collection, Alice Springs
Exhibitions
2008 | Dreamings - the Land, Outback Aboriginal Art, Caulfield, Vic |
The bold linear pattern throughout Molly'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 Molly 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 Molly's painting is associated with Anthep (Ceremonial Dance).