1969
Language Group:Alyawarre
Country:Arawerre (Soapy Bore), Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen, Batik on Silk
Subjects:Sugarbag (Native Honey), Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Women's Story, Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Sugarbag (Native Honey)
Susan was involved in the Utopia Women's Batik. Her work is represented in 'A Picture Story', a project initiated by CAAMA in the late 80's. She also began painting on canvas in the late 80's and has been involved in many group exhibitions including the Robert Holmes à Court touring exhibition of silk batiks.
From a family of artists, Susan's mother, Molly Pwerle; her older sisters, Annie and Jessie; and also her older brother, Sandy Hunter, are all renowned artists. All have a refined style, often their whole painting will consist of patterns of individual fine dots, reflecting their story and Arawerre country. They also paint stories associated with Atnwengerrp and Irrweltye their mother's country.
Artist: Susan Hunter Petyarre
Size: 75 x 75cm
Title: Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Sugarbag (Native Honey)
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Year Painted: 2022
Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Sugarbag (Native Honey)
Susan's painting represents Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for sugarbag. Sugarbag is bush honey of Australian native bees.
The linear designs represent Awelye. These designs are painted onto the chest, breasts, arms and thighs. Powders ground from ochre (clays), charcoal and ash are used as body paint and applied with a flat stick with soft padding. They call this stick 'typale'. The women sing the songs associated with their Awelye as each woman takes her turn to be 'painted-up'.
Susan depicts leaves and seeds through dot work.
