![]() | Born: c. 1980 Language Group: Anmatyerre Country: Ahalpere, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs Medium: Acrylic on Canvas and Linen Subjects: Ahakeye (Bush Plum), Awelye (Women's Ceremony) |
Elizabeth began painting for Mbantua Gallery in 2006. Her works represent the Dreamtime story of Ahakeye (bush plum) which is found in the desert. Elizabeth's father is Motorbike Paddy who also paints the Ahakeye. Not speaking much English, Elizabeth was encouraged to take up painting by her female family members including her mother, renowned artist Kathleen Ngale. Elizabeth resides in the Utopia Region and still participates in traditional ways of life and ceremonies to promote the Dreamtime of bush plum.
Collections
Mbantua Gallery Permanent Collection, Alice Springs
In this painting, Elizabeth paints the bush plum (dot work). This is a very important story for Elizabeth that belongs to her country. This story, its songs, dances and symbols have been passed down to Elizabeth from her father. The ahakeye, called bush plum in English by Elizabeth, is also known as the native currant or citrus. It belongs to the canthium attenuatum shrub which grows about 3m high. This shrub produces small white flowers, deep green citrus-like leaves and the ahakeye which are black when ripe and very small. This fruit is favoured for its sweet taste and can be reconstituted in water if dry.