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Artwork Story
Carmen paints the story of the Irreyakwerre (Wild Onion). This plant is also known as yalka, nalgoo or onion grass (Cyperus bulbosus). The Irreyakwerre is one of the most important food plants in Central Australia, growing throughout the area and producing bulbs (onions) all year round except for a few weeks after rain when they germinate to form new plants.
1984
Language Group:Alyawarre
Country:Arawerre (Soapy Bore), Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen
Subjects:Irreyakwerre (Wild Onion) Dreaming, Bush Flowers, Country, Women Collecting Imuna (Bush Food), Waterhole in my Country, Women Collecting Irreyakwerre (Wild Onion), My Country
Carmen began painting for Mbantua Gallery in November 2004. Also an artist, her mother in law is Janice Clarke Kngwarreye. Carmen is daughter of Susan Pwerle Chalmers and the late Larry Kngwarreye Jones. She has a sister and a brother, Maryanne Petyarre and Wayne Petyarre.
Carmen predominantly paints the Bush Onion which belongs to her mother's country. Carmen grew up in the Utopia Region where she still resides with her husband Bobby Clark, and three sons. She has also spent time living at Santa Teresa with her mother's family. Carmen attended a bush school at Soapy Bore (Arawerre) and Yirrara College in Alice Springs.
