MINNIE PWERLE - UNTITLED

 MINNIE PWERLE
UNTITLED,  2005
89 x 118cm
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Belgian Linen
 
PROVENANCE
Utopia, NT
Private Collection, Sydney, NSWCooee Art Gallery, Sydney, NSW 
 
STORY
The bold linear patterns of stripes and curves throughout Minnieā€™s painting depicts the womens ceremonial body paint design. After smearing their bodies with animal fat, the women trace these designs onto their breasts,arms and thighs singing as each woman has a turn to be ā€�painted upā€™.The songs are all related to the Dreamtime stories of the Awely-Womens ceremony demonstrates respect for the land and in performing these ceremonies they ensure well being and happiness within the communities.