Dreamtime Sisters, 2009 by Colleen Wallace Nungarrayi 69x49cm 11107CW

The "Dreamtime Sisters Series," 2009, by Colleen Wallace Nungarrayi, features a captivating collection of paintings inspired by the Dreamtime Sisters, or 'Irrernte-arenye,' in the Eastern Arrernte language. These benevolent spirits, believed to be 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, the strong red shapes at the bottom symbolise women's sacred sites. Ceremonial poles placed in the center of traditional ground designs during ceremonies represent the land. Dots meandering up from these sacred sites, forming part of the female figures, signify ancestral journeys. Colleen’s artwork is intricate, with vibrant, colourful dots creating a backdrop for the elegant spirit figures that dance and sway. 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 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 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).