
SP11238
1980
Language Group:Anmatyerre and Alyawarre
Country:Ilkawerne (El-go-an-na), Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Board, Wood Sculpture
Subjects:Country, Ntyerrm (Seed of the Dogwood Tree), Atnwelarre (Pencil Yam), Bush Medicine, Ahakeye (Bush Plum) Dreaming
Magdeline, the eldest daughter of artist Jean Petyarre - the youngest of the renowned seven Petyarre sisters - and Brian Payne, began painting for Mbantua Gallery in 2000. She is married to Clinton, son of fellow artist Josepha Petrick Kemarre, and together they have three sons.
Magdeline's artwork is reflective of that of her family, featuring stories and designs similar to those of her relatives. She primarily depicts bush foods, especially the bush potato or yam, along with design elements connected to her country.
Magdeline paints the story of the Ahakeye. This a very important story for Magdeline that belongs to her country, Ilkawerne (El-go-an-na). The ahakeye, called bush plum in English by Magdeline, is also known as the native currant or citrus. This shrub produces small white flowers, deep green citrus-like leaves and the ahakeye, which are black when ripe and very small. This fruit is favoured for its sweet taste and can be reconstituted in water if dry.