Emily Pwerle ‘1016’

Artist

Emily Pwerle is an Alyawarre and Anmatyerre woman from the small community of Irrultja in the Utopia region of Central Australia. A sister of the late Minnie Pwerle, and related to many other renowned artists including Barbara Weir, Galya Pwerle and Molly Pwerle, Emily began painting in 2004 during a family workshop organised by Barbara Weir.

Her work centres on Awelye Atnwengerrp—women’s ceremonial body designs—rendered in vibrant, gestural lines and layered patterns. Using bold acrylic colours, she reinterprets the ochre markings traditionally painted on women’s bodies for ceremony, as well as the rich colours of her Country. Many of her paintings also celebrate the Bush Melon Dreaming, an important and rare desert food from Atnwengerrp.

Emily’s style is expressive, confident, and deeply rooted in cultural knowledge passed down over generations. She has exhibited extensively in Australia and internationally, including in New York, Washington, Pittsburgh, Korea, and major Australian galleries. Today, she continues to live and paint in Atnwengerrp, maintaining her connection to Country, ceremony and family legacy.

Learn more about Emily Pwerle here.

Artwork Information

Painted in 2021, this work measures 60cm x 91cm. It is currently stretched and ready to hang, with the artist’s signature featured on the canvas.

This artwork was a part of the ‘Celebration of Country’ virtual exhibition.

Dreaming

Awelye Atnwengerrp is the women’s ceremonial Dreaming of Atnwengerrp (Utopia, Central Australia), affirming women’s responsibilities to Country, people, and ancestors. Led by senior women, ceremonies span days of song, dance, and storytelling, with ochre body designs that vary by land, season, and status. Each painted line and verse preserves law, knowledge, and spiritual connection. Artists such as Emily Pwerle and her sisters translate these ceremonial markings onto canvas, connecting sacred tradition with contemporary expression while remaining firmly anchored in Country.

Medium

Each artwork is meticulously created using the highest quality materials to ensure longevity, vibrancy, and integrity over time. Artists work with premium linen canvas, selected for its durability and fine texture, paired with professional-grade acrylics and hand-picked brushes. This combination allows for both bold expression and intricate detail, preserving the richness of the stories embedded in every piece. All materials are archival and museum-quality.