Life in the Bush
As Aboriginal people traditionally lived a nomadic lifestyle, humpies were designed to be quickly built and easily left behind.
Not only essential for survival, rains are also a time of gathering as the community comes together to celebrate and enjoy.
Ceremonies are held throughout the seasons to encourage an abundance of food, maintaining the deep connection between people, country and culture.
Their fat is used in bush medicine and their behaviour serves as environmental indicators. Sustainable hunting and ceremonies ensure their ongoing abundance.
Queenie Lion Kemarre (dec) is painted up for perform Awelye (Women's Ceremony)
Artist Denisa Hatches displays wild onions she has collected.
Renowned artist the late Barbara Weir cooks some witchetty grubs on the fire.
Using a stick to dig for witchetty grubs.
Artists Jeannie Mills and the late Lena Pwerle finding shade under a humpy.
A humpy in the bush topped with blankets for warmth and shade.
An area filled with water after rains have come.
A snake crossing the Sandover highway.
Kids in Utopia enjoying a bit of bush football.
Motorbike Paddy taking us on a walk through the old trucking yards in the Utopia bush.
Artist Don Onion (dec) adding the finishing touches of ochre to a boomerang he has made.
Artist Rosie Pwerle burning holes in ininti seeds to use in making necklaces and bracelets.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this insight into Life in the Bush and the unique perspectives shared by the talented artists of Utopia and Ampilawatja.
You can explore the full exhibition below or visit our Alice Springs Gallery to experience these remarkable artworks in person.
