MB061973
Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush) MB061973-Thelma Dixon Kemarre
Thelma Dixon Kemarre
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c. 1980
Language Group:Anmatyerre
Country:Ankerrapw, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas
Subjects:Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush), Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Country, Sand Hills, Imuna (Bush Food), Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush), Women Collecting Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush), Akarley (Northern Wild Orange), Women Collecting Imuna (Bu
Thelma comes from a strong lineage of artists, supported and nurtured by Mbantua Gallery since she began painting in 1998. Her work is deeply influenced by her large extended family, reflecting their unique artistic style. Thelma's artistic approach is often inspired by the designs of Awelye, which represent womens ceremonies and body paint, particularly for the stories from her fathers country, Ankerrapw.
Thelma has developed a distinctive fine dot style and enjoys experimenting with vibrant colors. Her paintings also depict womens stories related to collecting bush foods, a vital role in her culture. A notable story from her country that Thelma paints is Ntyemeny, the ruby saltbush, highlighting its significance in women's traditions.
Thelma is the daughter of artist Elsie Dixon Penangke and Walter Dixon Pwerle, a senior man from Ankerrapw. She has four sisters - Elizabeth, Dianne, Maureen, and Jilly - three of whom are also artists, and one brother, Henry Dixon, who is also an artist for Mbantua Gallery.
Thelmas Dreaming stories are all drawn from her fathers country, Ankerrapw, and she continues to be influenced by these ancestral narratives in her artwork.
Thelma paints Awelye (Women's Ceremonial and Body Paint Designs) for Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush). A soft greyish shrub with small flowers and bright red or yellow berries, the Ntyemeny is found in abundance around Alice Springs and through out Central Australia in every habitat. The Aboriginal people would eat the Ntyemeny berries when ripe and juicy or reconstitute the dried berries in water.
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.
MB061973