Bush Seeds, 2007, Kathleen Petyarre
Acrylic on canvas, 125cm x 87cm
Provenance: Charleston’s Fine Art Auctions, Sydney.
Kathleen Petyarre was born on the Utopia Station in the Northern Territory and was originally introduced to art by working in batik. An Anmatyerre woman, she was a central part in the successful claim for the freehold title of the Utopia lease, which lead to the handover of the land to its traditional owners. She and her sisters have held onto this land ever since. Petyarre’s works capture her Dreamings including Mountain Devil Lizard or Thorny Devil Lizard (Arnkerrthe), Women Collecting Bush Seeds, as well as the country around Utopia. She has twice won the NATSIAA award for painting (1).
From the authenticity certificate: Kathleen’s traditional country is Atnangkere, an important soakage on the western boundary of the Utopia station. A particular highlight and speciality of her work rests in her ability to contour and form her dreaming paintings. Kathleen has the innate capacity to meld together the earthy and timeless perceptions associated with her culture.