Awely (Body Paint)

Emily Pwerle, sister to the renowned Minnie Pwerle, started painting in 2004.  Her life has been led with very limited exposure to western culture.  Emily's works are a depiction of the designs that women paint on their bodies during women’s ceremonies or Awelye. 

In Aboriginal culture, ceremonies are focal points in the life of the community. They are held for different purposes, but each is integral to the continuation of Aboriginal culture and vital to the happiness and well being of the people and the land. Particular dances and song cycles accompany each.  Women’s awelye ceremonies are acknowledgments of their responsibilities for the land and their relationship to it. 

Acrylic paint on Belgian Linen, unframed.

Size: 47" x 35" (120cm x 90cm).

Location: On display in the gallery during the aboriginal art exhibition December 2025. Refer to our exhibitions page to find out more.