Dreamtime Sisters, 2009 by Colleen Wallace Nungarrayi 32x32cm FJ480CW

Dreamtime Sisters, 2009, by Colleen Wallace Nungarrayi, is a captivating series of paintings inspired by the Dreamtime Sisters, known as 'Irrernte-arenye' in the Eastern Arrernte language. These good spirits, believed to be the first people on earth during the creation time, perform the Awelye (women's ceremony) to protect Arnumarra (country) and sacred sites.

Colleen’s artwork features intricate details, with vibrant, colourful dots creating a backdrop for the graceful spirit figures that dance and sway. These spirits vigilantly guard important land areas, including sacred and ceremonial sites. She employs traditional dotting techniques from the Central and Western desert, combined with fine linework, to portray the Irrernte-arenye floating above and safeguarding these sacred places. Her paintings are highly sought after for their unique style and cultural significance.

Born in 1974, Colleen Wallace is an Eastern Arrernte artist who grew up between Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) and Mparntwe (Alice Springs) in the Northern Territory. Encouraged by her stepmother, renowned artist Kathleen Wallace, Colleen began painting in the 1990s and received permission to depict the Dreamtime Sisters. She also creates works based on Awelye (Women's Ceremony) and Arlatyeye (Bush Yam Dreaming).

Colleen hails from a family of esteemed Eastern Arrernte painters, including her mother, Therese Wallace, and her aunt, Gabriella Wallace. Married to Colin Bird, son of the famous Utopia artist Ada Bird Petyarre, they have five children together.