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1972
Language Group:Anmatyerre
Country:Iylentye (Mosquito Bore), Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen, Batik on Silk
Subjects:Bush Medicine Leaf, Bush Turkey, Akatyerre (Desert Raisin), Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Bush Hen, River, Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Akatyerre (Desert Raisin)
Abie commenced painting c.1994 under the guidance of her grandmother, Kathleen Petyarre (one of the seven famous sisters). Her paintings show the detailed designs of her stories using fine dotwork and contemporary designs.
Abie is a very talented and established artist. She was selected as a finalist in the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award (NATSIAA) in 1997 and 2001.
Abie's work in batik was sent to Bali to be exhibited. Her works in acrylics have been exhibited in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and overseas.
Abie paints Awelye (Women's Ceremonial and Body Paint Designs) for Akatyerre which is the Anmatyerre word for the desert raisin, wild sultana or bush tomato. Once collected, the Aboriginal women eat the akatyerre raw or grind them into a paste before being consumed. There is a Dreamtime story that belongs to the akatyerre for Abie and the people of Ilyentye (or Ahalpere) country. Ceremonies are performed to demonstrate respect for this story and maintain the existence of the akatyerre plant.
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.
