Cindy Morton Pwerle

Cindy Morton Pwerle, born around 1976 at Utopia Station in the Central Desert, is a prominent artist known for her intricate and detailed depictions of her traditional Anmatyerre culture. Her family's traditional country is associated with the Mosquito Bore (Lyentye) region, an outstation of Utopia where her family moved some years ago.

Background and Family

• Born: c. 1976 at Utopia Station, Central Desert, Northern Territory
• Died: 2011
• Community: Utopia
• Outstation: Ahalpere
• Language Group: Anmatyerre
• Social Affiliation: Pwerle subsection
• Family: Daughter of artist Gracie Pwerle Morton, niece of renowned Utopian artists Kathleen Petyarre and Gloria Petyarre

Artistic Mediums and Style

• Mediums: Acrylic paint on canvas, batik on silk
• Subjects: Women’s ceremony, Ahalpere country, bush plum, Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming

Cindy began her artistic journey influenced by her mother and aunt, who started their painting careers in the 1980s at Utopia, initially working with batik before transitioning to canvas. Her early works are characterized by a minimalist style, featuring delicate dotting and a traditional palette. Her paintings often utilize an aerial perspective with subtle color variations and rhythmic dissecting dotted lines.

Common Themes and Subjects

1. Bush Plum Dreaming (Arnwekety):
   • The bush plum, a prostrate plant that blooms in vibrant colors after rain, is a recurring subject in Cindy's work. Her paintings often depict the seeds of the bush plum being blown across the land at the time of creation and women winnowing the seeds in preparation for bush damper. The bush plum is a significant food source, high in vitamin C, and is celebrated in women’s ceremonies that teach young initiates about seasonal changes in nature and women's lives.
2. Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming:
   • The Mountain Devil Lizard holds special significance to the Utopian people. Cindy’s paintings often illustrate the Lizard’s journey throughout the land, defining its landscape and sacred sites.

Artistic Evolution and Style From her early minimalist works, Cindy has evolved her style to express her stories about the country with high detail, combining strong lines and semi-circular designs. Her work is sought after for its intricate storytelling and connection to her cultural heritage.

Exhibitions and Recognition Cindy Morton Pwerle's works have been exhibited widely, showcasing her ability to blend traditional Anmatyerre culture with contemporary artistic expression. Her paintings are highly valued by collectors and institutions for their cultural significance and artistic merit.