Awelye (Women's Body Painting)by Colleen Wallace Nungari

I (Sabine Haider, Director of Central Art) have been working with the lovely Colleen Wallace Nungarrayi since 2005. In that time I have watched her perfect her unique and individual style and also explore and experiment with new ideas and visions for her art. Central Art continues to support and nurture Colleen’s talents and art and admire her commitment to her art whilst raising a young family in a remote Aboriginal community.

Colleen was born in 1973 and is from Santa Teresa Community, approximately 1 hour from Alice Springs in Central Australia. Interestingly, the name on her birth certificate is in fact Rose Coleena Wallace, however she is only known as Colleen. She was raised by Kathleen Wallace and her husband Douglas. Although Colleen is not Kathleen’s biological daughter, Kathleen is referred to as her mother and cared and supported her whilst she was growing up. This is quite common in Aboriginal culture, with aunt’s and grandmothers being referred to as mother and playing significant care giving roles of young children. Kathleen Wallace is an influential and highly regarded Keringke Arts who has played a pivotal role in art production, teaching and supporting emerging artists in Santa Teresa Community. It was Kathleen who encouraged Colleen to try her hand at painting in the early 1990’s.

Colleen is married to Colin Bird Jungala who comes from the Utopia region and is the son of famous Utopian artist Ada Bird Petyarre. Colin Bird Jungala is a hobbyist painter himself, taught by his mother. Ada Bird Petyarre was an important and significant Utopian artist, being part of the development of the Utopian art movement and one of the first women to move from traditional art depiction to silk and finally canvas. Prior to her death, Colleen Wallace would spend a lot of time with Ada and they would often paint in the company of one another.

Colleen was given permission to paint the Yam Dreaming by her grandfather Kenny Tilmouth Panangka. This Dreaming depicts the Pencil Yam, an edible tuberous plant which grows in the Utopia Region. The women pay homage to the spirit of the Yam in ceremonies. Colleen is well known from her precise dot work and use of vibrant colours. Her most popular works are her Dreamtime Sisters which the Eastern Arrente people call “Irrernte-arenye”. It is the role of these spirits to guard important areas of land, in particular sacred and ceremonial sites.

Colleen is by far one of Central Art’s most popular artists with her Dreamtime Sisters series being purchased not only Australia wide but internationally. Central Art is proud to have the biggest collection of Colleen’s works. It may look as though these are almost mass produced however each work is unique and different from the next – no two are the same. Given that the majority of Colleen’s Dreamtime Sister paintings quite small in size, they are often displayed in sets of two or three to give a triptych affect. Whilst Colleen paints her Dreamtime Sisters she will often sing the song lines associated with the Irrernte-arenye. This allows her to feel connected to her country, even when she is not there.

Awelye is also an important Dreaming depiction for Colleen. Awelye is a general term which encompasses “women’s business”, the designs depicted in Colleen’s work are used to paint women’s upper bodies during ceremonies, and they also mirror the dancing tracks that women must take during important ceremonial periods. Awelye is also connected to the bush yam, vine and its flower in Colleen’s works.

Colleen has exhibited her works in group exhibitions in Australia and the USA and whilst she is raising her young family in Utopia with her husband she continues to produce works albeit not as frequently. Her paintings make beautiful gifts and are very affordable. She generally sticks to using small canvases however Central Art has some wonderful larger pieces which are bright, vibrant and extremely well executed in fine detail.

A genuine and caring strong woman I have the utmost respect for Colleen and will continue to nurture and support her. Central Art has pieces from each of Colleen’s styles and Dreamings and wholeheartedly encourage her to try new styles, techniques and colours, as each artwork an important story for Colleen. We would love to give Colleen her first solo exhibition at some point in the future.

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