Body Paint Designs for Lizard Dreaming by Ada Bird Petyarre, 52x118cm

"Body Paint Designs for Lizard Dreaming" by Ada Bird Petyarre features bright, bold linear patterns depicting women's ceremonial body designs, known as Awelye. In her depictions, she frequently incorporates the Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard) Dreaming associated with Atnangkere and Ahalkere Country, demonstrating her deep connection to her ancestral lands and cultural heritage.

Ada Bird Petyarre (c. 1930–2009) was a distinguished Anmatyerre woman and one of the celebrated seven Petyarre sisters, all of whom became prominent artists. Born on the pastoral lease Utopia in the Sandover region north-east of Alice Springs, Ada’s early life involved domestic work on the station. Her artistic journey began in the late 1970s when she, along with other Utopia women, was introduced to batik and textile painting techniques. Ada became a founding member of the Utopia Batik Group, contributing to an important industry for the Anmatyerre people after Utopia was returned to its traditional owners in 1978.

Ada’s transition to painting on canvas in 1988 marked the beginning of her rise as a prominent artist. Her first solo exhibition took place at Utopia Art, Sydney, in 1990. Her work has since been included in major exhibitions both in Australia and internationally, and is held in prestigious collections such as the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Art Gallery of South Australia.