017
Minnie
Pwerle
Anmatyerre/Alyawarr (c.1910–2006)
Awelye, Bush Melon, 2003
synthetic polymer paint on linen
150 x 75cm
PROVENANCE
Mbantua Gallery, Alice Springs, NT, cat.no.MB018240; accompanied by original
certificate of authenticity with a colour image of the artist with the
painting
Private Collection, Sydney
Documentation reads
Minnie’s painting illustrates the Anemangkerr, a small globular fruit
that Minnie describes as being ‘a little melon’. This fruit
is high in vitamin C and is favoured for its exceptional keeping qualities.
Excess fruit is often threaded onto sticks, after removing the inedible
black seeds. The fruit can then be dried and stored for a considerable
period.
The ancestral dreaming stories associated with this ‘little melon’,
Anemangkerr belong to Minnie’s country, Atnwengerrp. This ancient
red land lies in the heartland of Alyawarr Country approximately 200 kilometres
northeast of Alice Springs in Central Australia.