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c. 1964
Language Group:Alyawarre
Country:Arawerre (Soapy Bore), Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen, Batik on Silk and Cotton
Subjects:Sugarbag (Native Honey), Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Women's Story, Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Sugarbag (Native Honey)
Jessie was involved in the Utopia Women's Batik Group. Her work is represented in 'A Picture Story', a project initiated by CAAMA in the late 80's. She also began painting on canvas in the late 80's and has been involved in many group exhibitions including the Robert Holmes à Court touring exhibition of silk batiks.
From a family of artists, Jessie's mother, Molly Pwerle; her younger sisters, Annie and Susan; and also her older brother, Sandy Hunter, are all renowned artists. All have a refined style, often their whole painting will consist of patterns of individual fine dots, reflecting their story and Arawerre country. They also paint stories associated with Atnwengerrp and Irrweltye their mother's country.
Jessie paints Awelye (Women's Ceremonial and Body Paint Designs) for Sugarbag. Sugarbag is the bush honey of Australian native bees. Bush honey can be found in the trees in her country.
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.
