Dora Mbitjana

Awelye (Body Paint), 2022 | 100h x 50w | RK797

Not stretched or framed | Acrylic on primed linen

Dora Mbitjana is youngest daughter of the late acclaimed artist, Minnie Pwerle. She is carrying on the tradition of painting the Bush Melon Dreaming and Body Painting motifs used for women's ceremonies in the Utopia Region of the Northern Territory.

Dora’s 'Awelye' paintings depict the designs that the women would paint on their bodies, and the dancing tracks which are made in the sand during women’s awelye ceremony. Through their awelye ceremonies, women pay homage to their ancestors, show respect for their country and dance out their collective maternal role within their community.

Dora's paintings have gained a strong following within a very short space of time and she is an artist to watch.