Dreamtime Sisters, 2009 by Colleen Wallace Nungarrayi 69x49cm 11106CW

Dreamtime Sisters Series, 2009 by Colleen Wallace Nungarray

The "Dreamtime Sisters Series," 2009, by Colleen Wallace Nungarray, showcases a mesmerising collection of paintings inspired by the Dreamtime Sisters, or 'Irrernte-arenye,' in the Eastern Arrernte language. These benevolent spirits, considered the first people on earth during creation time, perform the Awelye (women's ceremony) to protect Arnumarra (country) and sacred sites.

In this particular painting, strong shapes at the top and bottom symbolise women's sacred sites, with a ceremonial pole in the center representing the land. Dots rising from these sites, forming part of the female figures, signify ancestral journeys. Colleen’s intricate artworks feature vibrant, colourful dots as a backdrop for the elegant, dancing spirit figures. These spirits guard vital land areas, including sacred and ceremonial sites.

Colleen utilises traditional dotting techniques from the Central and Western desert, combined with fine linework, to depict the Irrernte-arenye floating above, safeguarding 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 in 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 paints Awelye (Women's Ceremony) and Arlatyeye (Bush Yam Dreaming).

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