Aboriginal Painting - Alewye

Aboriginal Painting Title: Alewye
Aboriginal Artist: Betty Mbitjana (daughter of the late Minnie Pwerle)
Size: 60 x 90 cm. Unframed
Medium: Acrylic on canvas 2012

Authenticity:
COA and pictures of the artist holding and signing her work will be provided.

Story:

Betty continues the artistic legacy of her mother, the renowned Minnie Pwerle, by painting the Body Paint (Awleye) designs. These designs, combined with small roundels of bush melons and larger roundels representing soakages, are central to her work.

Symbolism in Betty's Paintings

The bold linear patterns of stripes and curves in Betty's paintings symbolize the women’s ceremonial body paint designs. These intricate patterns hold deep cultural significance and are integral to traditional ceremonies.

Traditional Ceremonial Practices

In these ceremonies, the older women painted the ceremonial designs on their breasts using their fingers and brushes made from sticks. They used red and white ochres for painting. The ceremonies include dancing, where the women would show their legs and dance with a ceremonial stick planted in the earth.

Preserving Women's Ceremonies

The ancestral spirits bestowed these women's ceremonies upon the older women. The senior woman leads by singing and then passes the ceremony on to others to maintain its strength and continuity.

Explore the Rich Cultural Heritage in Betty's Art

Discover the profound cultural heritage encapsulated in Betty's art. Her paintings, featuring Body Paint (Awleye) designs and symbols of bush melons and soakages, offer a glimpse into the rich traditions and ceremonial practices of her people. Betty's work only honours her mother’s legacy and keeps the ancient traditions and stories alive for future generations.