Body Paint for Women's Ceremony 2000 by Ada Bird 91x91cm
Ada Bird Petyarre, a senior Aboriginal artist, along with her sisters—Kathleen, Gloria, Myrtle, Violet, Nancy, and Jean Petyarre (the Seven Petyarre Sisters)—shared a deep connection to their cultural stories.
A recognised artist and keeper of the law, Ada's works, such as "Body Paint for Women's Ceremony," preserve and celebrate the spiritual and cultural narratives of her people, ensuring the continuation of these traditions for future generations.
Her bold linear patterns symbolise women's ceremonial body designs (awelye) worn by women during ceremonies, in her case for the Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard) Dreaming for Atnangkere and Ahalkere Country.
Born in 1930 in Utopia, Northern Territory, Ada began her artistic journey with the Utopia Women’s Batik Group in the late 1970s. Her work gained prominence, being featured on the cover of "Utopia – A Picture Story" by A. Brody in 1990. In 1988, she transitioned to acrylic painting during CAAMA’s Summer Project and continued until a stroke in 2004.
Ada passed away in 2009.
Ada's artworks are celebrated globally, housed in major collections including the Holmes à Court Collection, the National Gallery of Australia, and private collections worldwide.