Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Anemangkerr (Bush Melon)

Geyla Pwerle

c. 1930's

2026

Alyawarre

Atnwengerrp, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Acrylic on Canvas and Linen

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 Pwerle (c.1930s-2026) was an Alyawarre artist from Atnwengerrp Country in the Utopia region. She began painting in 2004, later in life, after encouragement from her extended family of artists to share her cultural stories through art.

Geyla was one of the renowned Pwerle sisters, alongside the late Minnie Pwerle, the late Molly Pwerle and Emily Pwerle. Her sister, the late Minnie Pwerle, was one of Australia's most recognised Aboriginal artists, and the Pwerle family has made a significant contribution to the Utopia art movement.

Working in acrylic on canvas and linen, Geyla painted Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Anemangkerr (Small Melon) and Akarley (Bush Orange) stories. Her painting style featured bold, linear designs, reflecting the ceremonial body paint designs and stories connected to her Alyawarre Country.

Through her artwork, Geyla shared the stories and cultural knowledge passed down through her family and Country.