Jeannie Petyarre

Jeannie Petyarre (c.1951-2022) was born on the Boundary Bore outstation of Utopia, in Central Australia. She is the sister to senior Utopian artists, Greeny Purvis Petyarre (dec), Dolly Mills, Gloria Mills and Rosemary Petyarre. She is the cousin to other well known artists , Gloria Petyarre,  Kathleen Petyarre, Ada Bird Petyarre, Myrtle Petyarre, Nancy Petyarre, Violet Petyarre and many more. She is also the niece of the great Emily Kame Kngwarreye.

Jeannie was encouraged by her aunt, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, to continue to paint her family's Yam Dreaming. This particular dreaming story is a strong one for the women of Utopia and was passed down to Jeannie from her father’s side.

In her works, Jeannie depicts various stages of the plants growth and many different parts including the seed, leaf and flower. The Yam plant is used by Aboriginal people for its medicinal properties which can be used to treat various ailments including sores and bites. She also depicts the Awelye ceremonies which the women participate in to pay homage to their ancestors.

 Her works are highly sought after by collectors and galleries worldwide.