Awelye for Bush Medicine Leaves 2002 by Abie Kemarre Loy 198x61cm

"Awelye for Bush Medicine Leaves 2002" by Abie Kemarre Loy masterfully depicts the different stages of Titye leaves’ growth using vibrant colours and flowing linearity. This artwork reflects the leaves' medicinal importance, as young leaves are harvested, boiled with fat, and applied to the skin as a muscle tonic. As the plant matures, its leaves take on various hues, which Loy explores in this visually captivating piece.

Awelye, a distinctive art form practiced by Aboriginal women from the Utopia region, represents not only artistic expression but also a deep cultural responsibility. For thousands of years, Indigenous women have performed Awelye body painting, making it one of the oldest continuing art traditions in the world. Today, contemporary Aboriginal artists like Loy bring this ancient practice to canvas, allowing global audiences to appreciate its cultural significance and aesthetic beauty.