Utopia Artists

Abie began painting under the guidance of her grandmother, Kathleen Petyarre. Her paintings depict detailed designs of her stories using fine dotwork and contemporary designs.

Ada painted like her personality: vibrant, outgoing and blatantly honest! She was a lover of bright colours, especially blue, but also painted in traditional and subdued colours.

Ally began painting during the CAAMA 'A Summer Project' in 1988/89 and her simplistic paintings reflected the Anwekety, small black conkerberries that grow after good rain.

Alvira is the daughter of artists Paddy (deceased) and Eileen Bird. Her grandmother is the late Ada Bird Petyarre, a highly respected senior artist from Utopia.

Angelina is a renowned aboriginal artist with works in collections around the world. She enjoys painting, especially the Atham-areny - creatures that live where there is no fire.

Anna is daughter to June and Johnny and is also the granddaughter to well known Utopia artist Ada Bird Petyarre (deceased). Anna has grown up with a strong tradition of painting.

Annie is a well-renowned artist who uses fine dotwork in her art. She is from a family of renowned artists: mother, Molly Pwerle, sisters Jessie and Susan and brother Sandy Hunter.

Anthony is the son of artist Eileen Bird and grandson to renowned artist, Ada Bird Petyerre (deceased). His painting style reflects that of his grandfather, father and brothers.

Along with her mother and sisters, Audrey participated in the batik workshops that were held in Utopia from 1977 to 1987. Her work is represented in the Holmes à Court Collection.

Barbara was one of the 'stolen generation' but was able to reconnect with her family and culture as an adult. Interested in painting, she showed a flair and a talent for the art.

Belinda was born in Alice Springs and commenced painting in her twenties under the guidance of her artist grandmother, Polly Ngale and was also taught by her sister, Janet Golder.

Bessie's mother, Polly Ngale, had been a long time painter and Bessie is proud to continue the tradition. She loved to paint alongside her and paints her story, the Conkerberry.

Bettrina first began painting for Mbantua back in 2008 before taking time off to raise her daughters. She is now back and enjoying painting once again.

Betty grew up in Irrultja country. Her paintings represent bush medicine in her country which was passed down by her father. She also shares this story with her daughter, Joycie.

Betty was involved with the Batik work in Utopia and had painted for a long time. Her work is in the Holmes à Court Collection and is also represented in Utopia - A Picture Story.

Bronwyn enjoys painting and is known to have a creative flair, having experimented with different mediums including wood carving and painting on the various native seeds she finds.

Carmen predominantly paints Irreyakwerre (Bush Onion) which belongs to her mother's country. She grew up in the Utopia Region and attended a bush school at Soapy Bore (Arawerre).

Charmaine is an incredibly talented artist whose paintings are very powerful, bold and modern. She is the daughter/granddaughter of renowned artists Barbara Weir and Minnie Pwerle.

Clifford paints traditional men's stories belonging to his country - Yerrampe (Honey Ant), Mulga Tree Dreaming and Men's Ceremony. He loves to teach his stories through paintings.

Colleen was involved in the Utopia Women's Batik and her work is represented in 'A Picture Story'. As a child, she was taught about the bush medicine by her mother and grandmother.

Colleen is a self-taught artist from a strong family of artists. She paints- the Dreamtime Sisters - good spirits dancing the awelye (women's ceremony) and looking after country.

Delvine's paintings incorporate beautiful colours and brushwork as well as black and white dot work. She is inspired by her two older sisters, renowned artists Anna Price and Joy.

Denisa's main story is Anwekety (Bush Plum) that passed down to her from her grandfather, Motorbike Paddy. Denisa's grandmother is Kathleen Ngale who is a well-known Utopia artist.

Dianne paints beautiful fine dot work and has always had a great feel for colours. Her mother, aunties and sisters are all artists of Utopia and they enjoy time painting together.

Dinny is a respected sculptor within his community and an emerging painter. He has a natural aptitude for bright depictions relating to modern Indigenous life in remote Australia.

Dolly participated in the Utopia Women's Batik and her work can be seen in 'Utopia - A Picture Story': 88 silk batiks that confirmed the artistic credibility of the Utopia Artists.

Dora is the daughter of Minnie Pwerle and paints in bold, colourful brushstrokes. She initially worked in the medium of batik, along with over eighty women from the Utopia Region.

Doreen's paintings can comprise of colourful patterns of tiny dots when describing her country or the Yerrampe (Honey Ant) or of strong, bold, linear work when illustrating Awelye.

Eileen is an Eastern Arrernte woman who married the son of well-known Utopia artist, Ada Bird Petyarre. She has eleven children and several grandchildren, many of whom also paint.

Elizabeth does not speak much English but was encouraged to begin painting by her female family members: her mother, renowned artist Kathleen Ngale, aunts Polly and Angelina Ngale.

Emily rose to be the most acclaimed Aboriginal female artist of her time with her 'Earth's Creation' artwork recording the highest price ever paid for a female artist in Australia.

Emily is the sister of acclaimed artist Minnie Pwerle and her style often shows strong, bold, linear work with a backdrop of dots, reflecting country or the Akarley (Bush Orange).

Esther was brought up by her grandmother, Gloria Petyarre, spending school holidays in Utopia. Here she learnt her artistic skills, often assisting family members with their art.

Evelyn is a well-known and respected artist, beginning painting traditional bush tucker but quickly became a sought after artist with her representation of the Pencil Yam Dreaming.

Gary's country and stories are passed down from his ancestors and are associated with his country in Mulga Bore. His style of painting reflects the work of his brothers and father.

Geyla began painting, along with her sister Molly, after being encouraged by her large, extended family of artists to experience the joy of teaching her stories in a creative way.

Glady was a well-known Utopia artist, beginning her career in the medium of batik before moving to acrylics. She became known as a fine dot artist with a quiet yet humorous spirit.

Gloria's very first painting depicted Awelye (Women's Ceremony). She trialled many methods of enhancing the work in her art, including using sponges, hand work and a toilet brush.

Greeny was a tribal elder in Utopia and nephew of Emily Kame Kngwarreye. His paintings reflected his personality - quietly unassuming but with a feeling of endurance and respect.

Harold is the main storyteller of the Atyetyart stories (Olden Day People). He says stories are passed down through the generations which keeps them alive and the country strong.

Hazel comes from a large extended family, many of whom are artists. She has had an extensive career as an artist herself and began her work in silk batik before moving to acrylics.

Janelle was a very talented artist whose paintings are in demand for their unique and contemporary style. She chose this style to do something totally different to everyone else.

Janie used fine dots to represent the seeds of the bush orange, originally her father's dreaming. Her sisters, Katie and Pauline Morgan, are also painters. Although a very shy woman, Janie had a deep love for painting.

Jean is the youngest of the seven prestigious Petyarre sisters of Utopia: Ada Bird, Kathleen Petyarre, Nancy Kunoth Petyarre, Gloria Petyarre, Myrtle Petyarre and Violet Petyarre.

Jeannie predominately paints the flower and seeds of the Anaty (Desert Yam) which she enjoys collecting in her country. Her distinct style was created in 2004 for Mbantua Gallery.

Jessie is from a family of renowned artists. She has a refined style, often her whole painting will consist of patterns of individual fine dots, reflecting her story and country.

Jilly has a natural, artistic ability and learnt her stories and how to paint from the older women in her community. She uses dot work to depict the Iy-lenky-la (Small Earthworm).

Joanne's mother, sisters and aunties are all Utopian artists and the years spent watching them provided inspiration to her. She speaks little English but is enthusiastic to paint.

Josepha lives a mostly traditional life, collecting bush foods and participating in ceremonies. She represents the bush plum through intricate dot work in reds, blues and oranges.

Josie's family are all artists and have inspired her to paint. Speaking little English, she is enthusiastic about painting and sees it as an expression of her stories and culture.

Joycie has many dreamings passed down from her grandmother big Betty Kemarre. She learnt everything from her grandmother: hunting, bush tucker, stories, bush medicine and painting.

June worked in batik and her work is part of the prestigious Robert Holmes à Court Collection. Her style of painting reflects a strong influence from her mother, Ada's, paintings.

Karen paints the Alpar (Rat-tail plant) story and for a long time used only a palette of blacks, whites and greys. She has now begun to incorporate a selection of brighter colours.

Kate is the daughter of well known Aboriginal artist Polly Ngale and continues to paint her story, the Anwekety (Conkerberry) dreaming.

Kathleen spoke little English but loved to talk particularly about her Dreamings and country. She was very enthusiastic about her culture and enjoyed sharing it through her art.

Kathleen painted consistently over the years, developing a strong individual style painting her country and Dreamings, including the Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard) and Awelye.

Katie's work evolves continually which reflects the nature of Katie's personality. She occasionally dabbles in wood carvings, creating artefacts, such as bowls, for her community.

Katie was the winner of the 2012 City of Hobart Art Prize, the only Aboriginal artist to have won it. She used fine dots to depict flowers and seeds of the Atwakeye (Bush Orange).

Keenan began painting at the age of fifteen. On receiving his first canvas he was very excited - 'I like painting, I would like to do more!'. He paints a traditional men's style.

Kevin is part of a large family of artists - his parents, grandparents, siblings, wife and two of his children have all been a large part of the Aboriginal art movement in Utopia.

Kudditji, brother of prestigious artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye, was an elder and custodian of many Dreamings and a deserved reputation as an innovator and a consummate colourist.

Kylie is not a prolific painter but when she paints her artwork is extremely refined with intricate dot work of detailed bush flowers and other designs associated with her country.

Lena was a truly lovely lady who enjoyed life. She loved to paint and developed a number of unique styles over the years. Her colourful, later 'Soakage' works were well received.

Lily's work has featured in Australian collections and she was part of the Robert Holmes à Court batik exhibition. Lily generally paints using very fine dot work or brush strokes.

A leader of his country, Lindsay taught the new generations about the lore's and stories of his culture. Light-hearted and full of good humour, Lindsay painted to keep the stories alive.

Lizzie, sitting under a humpy with family, ever so quietly asked for some canvas for the first time. Believed to be in her 60's at the time, she had just decided to try painting.

Loretta belongs to a strong family of artists and would have been taught to paint and gained knowledge about her stories by her mother Gypsy and the other ladies in her community.

Lucky participated in the batik movement before moving into acrylics. She paints a large variety of stories which come from her two countries - Ngkwarlerlaneme and Arnkawenyerre.

Lulu began her art career in batik before moving on to painting on canvas. She is a well-known artist and says she learnt to paint by watching the female artists of Utopia, particularly the prestigious Seven Petyarre Sisters.

Magdeline's artwork is reflective of that of her family, including her mother Jean Petyarre.She primarily depicts bush foods, especially the bush potato or yam, along with design elements connected to her country.

Maggie is a teacher's aide at a school in Utopia. She enjoys reading, maths and teaching English to the children as well as hunting for sugarbag, honey ants, goanna and kangaroo.

Marie first put paint to canvas when she was in her early 20's. As a child, she watched her mother Therese painting, observing her techniques and from this developed her own style.

Sister to artists Gypsy and May, Mary has painted for many years, using fine designs typical of her family's style. Her art usually depicts elements of the Akarley (Wild Orange).

Mary was a well-known Utopia artist and was involved in the batik movement. She lived with her large extended family in the Utopia region and had a bright and bubbly personality.

Maureen's artistic style is more commonly influenced by the designs of her Awelye (Women's Ceremony and Body paint) and for the stories belonging to her father's country Ankerrapw.

May's paintings consist of refined dot work in various colours and patterns. Her paintings often depict the Akarley, a bush orange that can be found growing throughout her country.

Michelle paints with a refined style and her subject matter relates to her countries Ngkwarlerlaneme and Arnkawenyerre. Her works have been featured in several group exhibitions.

Minnie's paintings depict one of the oldest art designs in the world, Awelye - body paint for women's ceremony. Linear designs are painted onto the chest, breasts, arms and thighs.

Molly was sister to acclaimed artist Minnie Pwerle. She began painting after being encouraged by her extended family to experience the pleasure of teaching her stories in a creative way.

Motorbike Paddy Ngale began his art career in wood carving and two years later ventured into acrylics on canvas. He was very tribal and continued to make boomerangs throughout his life.

Myrtle paints the Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard) - a dreaming from Atnangkere and Alhalkere country. She is known for her bold linear patterns, illustrating body paint designs.

Nancy was most well known for her fine dot designs depicting the skin of the Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard), a gentle creature. She is one of the famous seven Petyarre Sisters.

Nakita married into a family of artists in Utopia and her work reflects the unique style of her large and extended family. She is exploring different ways to depict her stories.

Patrick began painting and carving in his twenties and his father Dinny taught him how to make sculptures. He learnt to paint from his mother Josie and he developed his own style.

Pauline is shy and generally paints very fine dot work paintings that tell the story of women, either in ceremony or collecting bush food. She began painting during the year 2000.

Polly predominantly paints the Anwekety (Conkerberry) depicted through superimposed dot work. A vibrant, bubbly person, Polly lives a traditional way of life in the Utopia Region.

Queenie was a well-known Utopia artist rarely painting anything other than body paint designs for women's ceremonies. She lived in the Utopia region with her large extended family.

Rosabella began painting in 2007 and had an obvious natural flair for it. She really enjoys painting and the sharing of her stories and has continued to produce beautiful artwork.

Rosemary's grandmother is Ada Bird Petyarre who was a highly respected senior artist in Utopia. She paints a traditional style dot work design using the more earthy, ochre colours.

Ruby is one of the original group of women who learnt and practised batik and her work can be found in the 'Holmes à Court' collection.

Sacha approached in 2005 wanting to try her hand at painting. She was enthusiastic and has become popular for her wild flowers design, which she depicts with beauty and precision.

Painting was a part of life for Sarah which she enjoyed doing. Her batik work is featured in the Holmes à Court exhibition and collection which toured extensively around the world.

Daughter of Lulu Teece, Selina is a talented and established artist. She brings to life her father's country Antarrengeny beautifully in a mix of fine dot work and bright colours.

A younger artist Shikera's face proudly sports a huge smile when she finishes a new painting. She has a promising future in art and continues to share her culture through painting.

Shirley is from a large family of talented painters. She paints beautiful scenes of traditional aboriginal camps where women are often seen to be collecting bush tucker and plants.

Susan has a refined painting style, often filling the whole painting with patterns of individual fine dots which reflect her story Sugarbag (Native Honey) and her Arawerre country.

Susan had a traditional education, learning the songs, stories and dance for her country from the senior women in her community. She paints with bright colours using fine dot work.

Tanya grew up surrounded by the habitual routine of painting and first began painting herself as a teenager. She was very close to her grandmother, Ada, who was a strong influence.

Tanya's style is very refined with even dot work depicting women's ceremony and gathering of bush foods. Her designs are associated with stories belonging to her father's country.

Taralyn first began painting for Mbantua Gallery in October of 2023 when she met Tim whilst he was out in Utopia on a bush trip. She was keen to give it a go.

Tenallie's paintings represent the Anaty (Desert Yam), which she enjoys collecting in her homeland. The dreamtime story comes from her grandfather's country, Irrweltye, in Utopia.

Teresa paints highly detailed art using fine dot work in traditional colours. Her style has an underlying influence from her late mother, Barbara Weir's, My Mothers Country series.

Thelma has developed a fine dot style and loves to experiment with colours. She paints women's stories of collecting bush foods which has always been an important role for women.

Tommy, from a family with a long tradition of painting, paints the Caterpillar Dreaming from his father's country. Described as 'black, green and grey. Looks like witchetty grub'.

Trinity paints using ochre dot works the Mulga Seed and Mulga Berries Dreamings, which tell of men collecting the seeds and berries that fall from the mistletoe on the Mulga Tree.

Valorine has beautiful memories of growing up in Utopia. She began painting when she was sixteen and learnt by observing her grandmother, Minnie Pwerle, and other family members.

Violet is a talented artist who has painted from an early age. She enjoys painting on canvas, carving wood or painting the varied seeds that are strung together to make necklaces.

Violet is of the seven famous Petyarre sisters and was involved in the batik movement. She painted the Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard) using strong linear patterns and colours.

Wally painted in the traditional Utopia men's style but was particularly well known for his sculptures which he would hand carve from local wood.