Connie Petyarre
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Artist Profile · Northern Territory
Connie Petyarre
Alyawarr artist from Utopia, painting the body designs of Awelye (women’s ceremony).
Born
1965
Language group
Alyawarr
Skin name
Petyarre (also spelled Pitjara, Apetyarr, Petyarr)
Country
Ngkwarlerlanem and Arnkawenyerr, Utopia region, NT
Painting Awelye
Connie Petyarre is an Alyawarr woman whose Country is Ngkwarlerlanem and Arnkawenyerr, in the Utopia region of Central Australia. Her paintings centre on Awelye, women’s ceremony, and the body paint designs that go with it.
As women prepare for ceremony, these designs are painted on their chests, arms and thighs using ochre, charcoal and ash, while songs connected to the Awelye are sung. The ceremonies show respect for Country and help keep the community healthy and well.
In 2008 Connie painted a series of finger-painted Awelye works, alongside fellow Utopia artists Lena Pwerle, Rosie Pwerle and Nora Petyarre.
Body paint designs
Finger painting
Buying Connie’s work
For authenticated paintings, buy through a recognised gallery such as Utopia Lane Art, and always ask for a certificate of authenticity.
Paintings by Connie Petyarre on eBay
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