Awelye 2002 by Abie Kemarre Loy 122x36cm, 7007AL

In the striking painting titled "Awelye 2002," renowned Utopia artist Abie Kemarre Loy masterfully captures the essence of traditional women's ceremonies through linear designs. These intricate patterns are painted onto the chest, breasts, arms, and thighs during Awelye ceremonies, which hold deep cultural significance. The designs often mirror the tracks made in the sand during rituals, creating a ceremonial map upon the body that reflects the patterns of movement and connection to the land.

Preparing for these ceremonies involves a meticulous process where artists use natural materials such as ash, charcoal, and ochre to apply the designs. This process can take considerable time, as each woman's body becomes a canvas for these sacred patterns. As the designs are applied, women sing songs from the Dreaming era, and some perform dances known as Awelye cycles, further enriching the spiritual experience.

Awelye body painting is one of the oldest living art forms, with Indigenous women participating in these activities for thousands of years. Abie Kemarre Loy's "Awelye 2002" is not just a visual representation but a continuation of this ancient tradition, reflecting the enduring cultural practices of the Utopia women and their deep connection to the Dreaming stories.