COMMUNITY WARNING - CULTURALLY SENSITIVE CONTENT: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that the following Marie Claire article ‘Ode To Country’, and related reference websites included in this Tumblr post, may contain names, images or audio of Indigenous persons who have died.
We acknowledge all First Peoples of the beautiful lands on which we live, and celebrate their enduring knowledge and connections to Country. We honour the wisdom of and pay respect to Elders past and present.
MINNIE PWERLE
Awelye Atnwengerrp, 2006
This painting Awelye Atnwengerrp by Minnie Pwerle represents women’s ceremonial body-painting designs. The energetic lines and bold marks express connection to Country, kinship and the passing down of cultural knowledge through generations.
BARBARA WEIR
Grass Seed, 2021
Barbara Weir’s Grass Seed Dreaming paintings are mesmerising, delicate, layered compositions that honour the traditional practices of Aboriginal women who gathered native grass seeds for survival.
NIAH MCLEOD
Minga. Durum Gadju ~ Three Mothers, 2024
This artwork Minga. Durum Gadju by Niah McLeod tells the story of the generational wisdom of grandmothers, daughters and granddaughters, who together weave a tapestry of guidance, creating a path that recognises the past and lights the way for those who will follow.
HANNAH LANGE
Rockpools, 2024
Hannah Lange’s Rockpools is inspired by the dance of water and stone, where the still water echoes the stories of our ancestors. The asymmetrical shapes are an artform in themselves and display the beauty of Country.
LISA KHAN
Tjukurpa Minyma Ngintaka, 2025
Lisa Khan’s art is grounded in the ancestral stories of her Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara heritage. Her work channels Country with bold, unapologetic power and cultural integrity. This painting Tjukurpa Minyma Ngintaka is a visual embodiment of an important inma (a ceremonial song and dance) that connects people to Country.
ALISON MUNTI RILEY
Kungka Kutjara (Two Women), 2023
Alison Munti Riley’s artwork Kungka Kutjara honours her ancestral heritage story of two sisters travelling across the desert, echoing themes of kinship, obedience and longing.
GLORIA PETYARRE
Bush Medicine, 2008
Gloria Petyarre’s series Bush Medicine is among the most iconic in Aboriginal art, featuring swirling brushstrokes that capture the movement and energy of medicinal leaves gathered by Anmatyerre women. This painting pays homage to the healing plants of her heritage, particularly the Kurrajong tree’s leaves, which are used in medicinal preparations. Her swirling brushstrokes reflect the movement of the leaves, the plant’s vitality, and its significance in Aboriginal culture.
EMILY KAME KNGWARREYE
Wildflower Dreaming, 1994
Emily Kame Kngwarreye is one of Australia’s most important artists, who has redefined Aboriginal art on a global scale and continues to inspire. This artwork Wildflower Dreaming reflects Emily’s profound connection to her ancestral country, Alhalkere. Through vibrant colour fields and rhythmic dotting that illustrate the seasonal bloom of desert flora, she captures the spiritual and ecological cycles of the land.
MARY DHAPALANY
Dhawurr or Batjbarra (Fish Trap), 2024
Based in Arnhem Land, Mary Dhapalany is a renowned fibre artist who creates woven fish traps using naturally dyed pandanus. Her work is functional and ceremonial, shaped by generations of women who understand how land, water and survival are intricately interwoven.
Jade Akamarre in front of one of her artworks from 2024, titled PG30196.
Photography by Yanni Stath / Genworth Group. Alison Munti Riley image courtesy of Japingka Aboriginal Art, Western Australia. Emily Kame Kngwarreye image courtesy of Pwerle Gallery. Mary Dhapalany image courtesy of Bula’Bula Arts, Northern Territory. See further artworks and related credits in Jade Akamarre’s article, plus related reference website links, below.
ODE TO COUNTRY
Jade Akamarre comes from a long line of First Nations artists and is director of the Aboriginal art gallery Pwerle. To mark 50 years of NAIDOC (National Aboriginal & Indigenous Day Observance Committee) Week, she reflects on how attitudes towards Aboriginal art have changed and how the next generation is shaping contemporary First Nations art on the global stage.
By Jade Akamarre
Marie Claire Australia - July 2025
Shared from Apple News
Jade akamarre comes from a long line of first nations artists, and is the founder of the aboriginal art gallery pwerle. to mark 50 years of
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PWERLE - ABORIGINAL ART GALLERY:
Pwerle – Aboriginal Art Gallery
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JAPINGKA ABORIGINAL ART:
Japingka Aboriginal Art is an online Australian art gallery, holding major exhibitions by Australian Indigenous artists for over 30 years
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BULA'BULA ARTS:
Frontpage - Bula'bula Arts
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NAIDOC - National Aboriginal & Islander Day Observance Committee
NATIONAL NAIDOC WEEK 2025
6 – 13 July 2025:
Home page | NAIDOC
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