SP10331
1959
Language Group:Alyawarre
Country:Atnwengerrp, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen
Subjects:Akarley (Northern Wild Orange), Anemangkerr (Bush Melon) Dreaming, Atnwengerrp Country, Snake, Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Akarley (Northern Wild Orange) Flowers
Mary Lewis Pwerle is sister to artists Gypsy Jones Pwerle and May Lewis Pwerle. Mary has painted for many years, painting fine designs typical of her family's style. Her paintings usually depict elements of the Akarley (Wild Orange) or Anemangkerr (Bush Melon) Dreaming stories that belong to her country, Atnwengerrp.
Mary paints the story of the northern wild orange flowers, known as Akarley in Mary's language. The wild oranges hang down on long stalks, turning yellow or a red tint when ripe, most commonly during the month of February. Young fruit are often ripened in hot sand.
There is an ancient Dreamtime story of the Akarley, belonging to her country Atnwengerrp, which Mary and other women of her country share with younger generations of women and girls.