Awelye Atnwengerrpby Gayla Pwerle

Gayla Pwerle is the youngest sister of the famous late Minnie Pwerle and the fourth “Pwerle Sister”. She is also the aunt of famous artist, Barbara Weir. There are no birth records for Gayla however it is believed that she is in her 80’s. Gayla is from an extremely talented Aboriginal community in Central Australia – Utopia. Some of the most talented Aboriginal artists have come from this small community including the most highly collectable contemporary Aboriginal artist, the late Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Gayla comes from the Anmatyerre language group but is also able to speak Alyawarre.

As a young girl Gayla worked as a nanny on Utopia Station. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that Utopia Station was sold to the government and handed back to Aboriginal ownership. Today, Gayla lives at Irrultja which is a small community settlement in the Utopia region.

Gayla’s artist journey began in 2004 when her niece, Barbara Weir organised a workshop for the four Pwerle sisters at Irrultja outstation. It was here that Gayla and her two sisters, Molly and Emily began painting. Sister, Minnie Pwerle an already talented and well known artist at the time played an important role in supporting and guiding her sister’s artistic development. The initial workshop was such a success with an explosion of artistic talent and depiction of their shared Dreaming “Awelye Antwengerrp”. Further workshops were held with the sisters working individually as well as collaboratively on artworks. Their individual designs were unique and original, yet, sat together similarities could be seen. Each sister interpreted their Dreaming slightly differently and the final paintings were some amazing and colourful interpretations.

What is amazing is not only were these women in their 70’s and 80’s when they first picked up a paint brush but they had had limited exposure to western culture let alone modern western art depiction. What Gayla and her sisters were able to draw on was the knowledge, skills and culture from generations of their people. Gayla paints the seeds of grasses, Bush Tomato and Wild Orange. She incorporates Awelye or women’s ceremony which relate to all the knowledge and ceremonies associated with women. Awelye also includes the dancing tracks made in the sand during ceremonial times. These same designs are painted onto the women’s upper bodies and breasts before ceremonies are preformed. During ceremonies women will pay tribute to the ancestors, the land and food sources.

Gayla’s works are characterised by layers, the first represents Awelye, and the second layer is a fine dotting over the top. The overall effect is one of mystery, what is the meaning behind each layer of paint. The painting that Central Art has available is a lovely example of her work. This particular piece is a good size and has a feminine pastel colouring. It depicts Awelye body paint designs as the under layer.

In the short time that Gayla has been painting her artworks have been exhibited around Australia and in international galleries. She has also been nominated for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award twice, in 2005 and 2008. This is the most prestigious art award in Australia. She is certainly a sort after artist and worth considering given her age, background and talent.

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