Minnie Pwerle Indigenous Australian (Alyawarre/Anmatyerre), 1920-2006

Minnie Pwerle focused mainly on two series of artworks: Bush Melon depicting her inherited Dreamings, and Awelye Atnwengerrp. Her work often described as ‘gestural abstraction’ draws inspiration from the ancient cultural traditions that used visual gestures and pigments for body paintings. This way, she expresses the connection to the country and her ancestors, but her iconic style also shows incredible contemporary sparkle.

This energetic artwork with bold colourful palette is one of the first paintings created by the artist when she started painting in late 1999 at the ago of 79. It serves as a demonstration of the artist’s ability and deep understanding of the ceremonies depicted in her art.

In 2004, Minnie was named one of Australia’s 50 most collectable artists by Australian Art Collector. Her art was quickly added to major public collections such as the Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery of South Australia, National Gallery of Victoria and Queensland Art Gallery. It was also included in a 2009 exhibition of Indigenous Australian painting at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Please note that all First Nations Art is created from a so called ‘Birds Eye’ view. This means that the paintings can be hung either horizontally as well as vertically.