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c. 1930's
Language Group:Alyawarre
Country:Atnwengerrp, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen
Subjects:Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Anemangkerr (Bush Melon) Dreaming, Akarley (Northern Wild Orange), Anthep Awelye (Ceremonial Dance), Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Akarley (Northern Wild Orange), Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Anemangkerr (Bush Melon)
Geyla began painting in 2004 with her sister Molly after being encouraged by a very large extended family of artists to experience the pleasure of teaching her stories in a creative way. Geyla is the younger sister of the late Minnie Pwerle, one of Australia's most renowned artists.
Geyla paints Awelye (Women's Ceremonial and Body Paint Designs) for the Anemangkerr, a small globular fruit that Geyla describes as being 'a little melon'. This fruit is high in Vitamin C and is favoured for its exceptional keeping qualities. Excess fruit is often threaded onto sticks, after removing the inedible black seeds. The fruit can then be dried and stored for a considerable period.
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.