Body Paint designs 2001 by Cindy Morton Pwerle, 91x41cm Cat 6616CM

"Body Paint designs 2001" has beautiful movement with rich yellow and rich ochre colours symbolising the body paint designs worn during ceremony. Cindy painted a few paintings with this theme whilst she was preparing for a ceremony that was due to take place in Utopia, where she lived with her celebrated artistic family that included her mother, Gracie Morton, and great aunt, Gloria Petyerre. These women began their painting careers in the 1980s at Utopia. Initially working with batik, they later transitioned to canvas, inspiring Cindy to explore her own artistic talents.

Cindy's early works are marked by a minimalist style, characterised by delicate dotting and a traditional palette. Her paintings often adopt an aerial perspective, featuring subtle color variations and rhythmic dissecting dotted lines. These elements beautifully capture the essence of body paint and storytelling celebrated in women's ceremonies, which educate young initiates about seasonal changes in nature and women's lives.

Cindy Morton Petyarre is of the Alyawarre group from Utopia, a culturally rich Indigenous homelands region approximately 240km north-east of Mparntwe (Alice Springs), left an indelible mark on the art world. Utopia is renowned for its cultural and artistic heritage, producing globally acclaimed artists like Cindy's great-aunt and mother contributing to the family's artistic legacy. Sadly passing at a young age in 2022, Cindy Morton's vibrant paintings continue to be celebrated, reflecting the profound traditions and stories of her heritage.