Awelye 2000 by Abie Loy Kemarre 31x152cm diptych 5314AL with 5315AL

"Awelye 2000" by Abie Loy Kemarre is a striking diptych that masterfully captures the essence of traditional women's ceremonies through intricate linear designs. These patterns, painted onto the chest, breasts, arms, and thighs during Awelye ceremonies, hold deep cultural significance. The designs often reflect the tracks made in the sand during rituals, creating a ceremonial map on the body that symbolizes movement and connection to the land.

Awelye is a distinctive art form cherished by Aboriginal women in the Utopia region. This method is not just an artistic expression but also a way of honoring their homeland and fulfilling their cultural duties. Indigenous women have practiced Awelye body painting for thousands of years, making it one of the oldest living art forms. In recent years, contemporary Aboriginal artists have brought this ancient tradition to canvas, allowing collectors and galleries to appreciate its beauty and significance.

Abie Kemarre Loy inherited the rights to paint Awelye from her grandmother, the esteemed artist Gloria Petyarre, one of the famous seven sisters of Utopia, which includes Ada, Jean, Kathleen, Myrtle, Nancy Kunoth, and Violet Petyarre. Growing up immersed in this rich artistic and cultural environment has profoundly inspired Abie, who has developed her own unique style and finesse as a painter. Her work not only continues the legacy of her ancestors but also brings the timeless tradition of Awelye to a broader audience, bridging the past with the present through her captivating artistry.