Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush)

Thelma Dixon Kemarre

c. 1980

Anmatyerre

Ankerrapw, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Acrylic on Canvas

Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush), Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Country, Sand Hills, Imuna (Bush Food), Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush), Women Collecting Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush), Akarley (Northern Wild Orange), Women Collecting Imuna (Bu

Thelma Dixon Kemarre (born c.1980) is an Anmatyerre artist connected to Ankerrapw Country in the Utopia region of Central Australia.

Thelma began painting in 1998 and has grown as an artist surrounded by a strong family of painters. The daughter of artist Elsie Dixon Penangke and senior man of Ankerrapw, Walter Dixon Pwerle, she learnt the stories, songs and traditions of her Country from her family and continues a proud artistic legacy shared with her sisters Elizabeth, Dianne, Maureen and Jilly, and brother Henry Dixon.

Working in acrylic on canvas, Thelma is recognised for her fine dot work, beautiful colours and detailed designs inspired by Awelye (women's ceremony and body paint designs). Her paintings share stories from her father's Country, including Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush), bush foods, sand hills and the important role of women gathering and caring for Country.

Thelma's artwork reflects her deep connection to Ankerrapw and the cultural knowledge passed down through generations, creating vibrant paintings that celebrate the stories and traditions of her people.