Bush Plum Dreaming by Mary Jones Ngale, 36x92cm 6094MJ

Bush Plum Dreaming by Mary Jones Ngale is a captivating representation of the expansive branches of the bush plum plant, viewed from an aerial perspective. The painting beautifully contrasts the lush green leaves, symbolising new growth, with the rich ochre tones of the Central Australian desert landscape. This Dreaming is significant across various language groups in the region, connecting people through shared stories and cultural heritage.

Dreaming stories, like those depicted in Bush Plum Dreaming, recount a time when ancestral beings ruled the land with supernatural abilities, establishing the laws and practices that guide Aboriginal people in their interaction with the natural world. These stories seamlessly integrate the past, present, and future, emphasising the importance of coexistence among people, animals, and plants.

In these narratives, spiritual ancestors often transform into elements of the landscape, such as trees or rocks, becoming sacred sites imbued with life force. Aboriginal communities honour these sites through ceremonies, ensuring the spiritual energy remains active and influential.

Mary Jones Ngale, daughter of the Utopian artist Myrtle Petyarre and sister of Gracie Morton Ngale, grew up in a family of renowned painters, including the famous Petyarre Sisters. Born at MacDonald Downs, Mary now lives in Utopia, south-east of Alice Springs, with her husband and five children.