Betty Mbitjana

Betty Mbitjana(1957-2023) was a renowned artist from the Anmatyerre language group in the Utopia region of Central Australia. Born in 1957, she was part of a well-known painting family; her mother was the acclaimed Aboriginal artist Minnie Pwerle, and her sister is Barbara Weir. Betty's artwork is distinguished by its intricate patterns and structured, refined impressions of her mother's designs.

Early Life and Background

• Born: 1957 at Ahalpere in the Utopia Region, Central Australia
• Language Group: Anmatyerre
• Country: Ahalpere
• Community: Utopia, NT
• Mother: Minnie Pwerle, a renowned Aboriginal artist
• Sister: Barbara Weir

Artistic Influence and Style Betty's work was profoundly influenced by her mother's artwork. She continued the tradition of Awelye Body Paint Designs that Minnie Pwerle was known for, specifically painting the "Awelye – Atnwengerrp" and "Bush Melon" Dreamings. Her paintings featured bold linear patterns of stripes and curves, representing women's ceremonial body paint designs. These designs depicted land formations, sacred sites, and women's body paint patterns from her mother's country, Atnwengerrp.

Cultural Practices and Ceremonial Significance The ceremonial body paint designs Betty depicted are traditionally painted by senior women using red and white ochres. These designs are painted on their breasts with fingers and a brush called a typale, made from a stick. The women then perform ceremonial dances, singing to keep the ancestral spirits' ceremonies strong and passing them on to the next generation.

Career and Exhibitions Betty began her painting career later in life and quickly became known for her distinctive style. Her work has been exhibited widely, both in Australia and internationally. Some notable exhibitions include:

• 2021: Private Collection | Private View: One Collector’s Passion & Soul, Cooee Art, Redfern
• 2020: 60 by 60 – Small Paintings, Japingka Gallery, Perth; Colours of Spring, Kate Owen Gallery, Sydney
• 2019: International Women’s Day, Kate Owen Gallery, Sydney; Defining Tradition | The Colourists, Kate Owen Gallery, Sydney
• 2014: Desert Song, Japingka Gallery, Perth
• 2013: I colori del deserto, Galleria Isarte (in collaboration with Japingka), Milan, Italy
• 2012: Heirs and Successors, Japingka Gallery, Perth; Little Gems, Japingka Gallery, Perth; Desert Gold, Japingka Gallery, Perth
• 2010: Stories from the Centre, Kate Owen Gallery, Sydney
• 2008: Self Representing Artists, Central Art – Aboriginal Art Store, Alice Springs
• 2004: Mbantua Gallery USA exhibition; Portland, Nashville and Greenwich, USA
• 2003: Mbantua Gallery USA exhibitions: Art and Soul Gallery, Nashville, TN; The Cove Gallery, Portland, OR; Mary’s Woods, Portland, OR, USA; Contemporary Aboriginal Art Event, Umpqua Bank in conjunction with Mbantua Gallery, Portland, OR; Art from the Dreamtime, Portland Art Museum, Portland OR, USA
• 2002: Mbantua Gallery USA exhibitions: New City Merchants, Knoxville, TN; Art and Soul Gallery, Nashville, TN; The Cove Gallery, Portland, OR; Urban Wine Works, Portland, OR; Mary’s Woods, Portland, OR
• 1990: Utopia – A Picture Story exhibition of Central Australian Aboriginal Art & Craft Exhibition, Araluen Centre, Alice Springs

Later Life and Legacy In 2021, Betty moved into an aged care/respite clinic in Alice Springs due to health issues and continued to live there until her passing in May 2023. Her legacy continues through her beautiful and intricate paintings that capture the cultural richness and traditions of the Anmatyerre people.

Selected Collections

• United Nations Building, Geneva
• National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
• Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs
• Artbank