Dreamtime Sisters, 2011 by Colleen Wallace Nungarrayi 147x89cm 14230CW

Colleen Wallace Nungarrayi's "Dreamtime Sisters Series," 2011, is an enchanting collection that draws on the rich cultural heritage of the Eastern Arrernte people. These paintings revolve around the Dreamtime Sisters, or 'Irrernte-arenye,' who are benevolent spirits from creation time, responsible for performing the Awelye (women's ceremony) to protect the land (Arnumarra) and sacred sites.

Wallace's artwork is characterised by its intricate designs, vibrant colours, and the use of traditional dotting techniques combined with fine linework. The paintings depict the Dreamtime Sisters as elegant spirit figures who seem to dance and sway, safeguarding the sacred and ceremonial sites.

This particular painting features shapes at the bottom representing women’s sacred sites and circular shapes above symbolizing these locations. Ceremonial poles, central to the traditional ground designs during ceremonies, represent the land, while dots meandering upwards signify ancestral journeys.

Born in 1974, Colleen Wallace is an Eastern Arrernte artist from Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) and Mparntwe (Alice Springs) in the Northern Territory. She began painting in the 1990s under the encouragement of her stepmother, Kathleen Wallace, and received permission to depict the Dreamtime Sisters. In addition to this series, she also paints Awelye (Women's Ceremony) and Arlatyeye (Bush Yam Dreaming).

Colleen's artistic legacy is deeply rooted in her family, with her mother, Therese Wallace, and aunt, Gabriella Wallace, also being renowned painters. She is married to Colin Bird, son of the famous Utopia artist Ada Bird Petyarre, and they have five children together. The "Dreamtime Sisters Series" not only celebrates these ancestral spirits but also honors Colleen's grandfather’s country near Gemtree, through the Awelye ceremony.

Living in Alice Springs, Colleen's artistic style and cultural narratives are profoundly influenced by her auntie Kathleen Wallace, who taught her how to paint. The series is a vibrant tribute to the Dreamtime Sisters, illustrating their role in caring for the land and celebrating the spiritual connection to her grandfather’s country in Eastern Arrernte land through song, dance, and body painting.