Bush Plum, 2001 by Gracie Pwerle (Purle) Morton 168x152cm Cat 6296GM

The first image presented in a close up. The second image is the of the overall painting followed by more close ups.

This painting changes colour depending on the light and is wonderful both at a distance or very close up as it is very detailed and intricate in its technical application. In the daylight close up it has purples and rich reds intermingling with soft greys and white but inside light it is softer in tone. It is quite captivating.

Like the majority of Gracie's body of work the theme is that of the Bush Plum Dreaming, which is expressed at various seasons.

The Bush Plum Dreaming site is one of the major Dreamings of the Utopia region. Throughout this painting there is a profusion of the dry seeds of the native bush plum ( canthium latifolium ) a fruit which proliferates in that area.

The 'bush plum' which is in fact a native currant, grows on a tall, straight, thin broad-leaved, lightish- coloured tree, and is initially green, than gradually turns black as it ripens. These fruit grow in small black clusters.

The intersecting lines represent the 'ritual activities of women who are singing, dancing and painting women's body designs ( awelye ) on their limbs.

These are characteristically applied, in ceremonial contexts, to the breasts, upper back, shoulders and thighs, in parallel horizontal and vertical lines and streaks'.

Source: Dr Christine Nicholls