Body Paint for Women's Ceremony, 2003 by Ada Bird Petyarre 120x75cm

Ada Bird Petyarre, a senior Aboriginal artist, captures the essence of women's ceremonial body designs (awelye) in her 2003 artwork, "Body Paint for Women's Ceremony." Known for her bold linear patterns, Ada’s works reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard) Dreaming for Atnangkere and Ahalkere Country.

Born in 1930 in Utopia, Northern Territory, Ada began her artistic journey with the Utopia Women’s Batik Group in the late 1970s. Her work gained prominence, being featured on the cover of "Utopia – A Picture Story" by A. Brody in 1990. In 1988, she transitioned to acrylic painting during CAAMA’s Summer Project and continued until a stroke in 2004.

Ada's artworks are celebrated globally, housed in major collections including the Holmes à Court Collection, the National Gallery of Australia, and private collections worldwide. Her vibrant, outgoing personality is mirrored in her use of bright colors and bold patterns, often incorporating motifs of women's ceremonial body paint designs linked to the Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming.