Awelye - Body Paint (Set of 6)

Mary was involved in the Batik project of the 1970s, when Western craft practices and traditional Indigenous imagery were combined for the first time. Aileen was one of the early artists who began to use acrylic paint and canvas in the1980s.

In her works Mary depicts Dreaming stories from her father’s Country, Antarrengeny, or Awelye. Awelye is the body paint designs used in traditional women’s ceremonies. As a senior woman of her community, Mary is involved in painting these designs onto the bodies of younger women. She is passionate about maintaining traditional practices in the community and this didactic aim continues through her work.

Mary’s works can be found in a number of important collections throughout Australia and
overseas.

Acrylic paint on Belgian linen, unframed.

Size: all 6 canvas' measure 35cm x 35cm.

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

Code: MM 745-07.