Kathleen Petyarre (C1935-2018) Large Aboriginal Art 'Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming'  115cm x 89cm

Probably one of Australias most famous aboriginal artists, this large painting titled 'Mountain Lizard Dreaming' (Ca.2007) is the most famous designs of Kathleens art . This work depicts the Mountain Devil Lizard Dreamtime story about an old woman traveling across the Atnangker country outlining the landscape and identifying sacred sites. The Mountain Devil Lizard dreaming story is Kathleen Petyarre’s totem, with the responsibility to look after the lizard. Kathleen Petyarre represents the epic journey of the Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming (Arnkerrth) as it traveled across her traditional country (Atnangker) unlike sisters Gloria Petyarre and Violet Petyarre who focus on the Mountain Devil Lizard’s physical appearance. The Anmatyerre and Alyawerre people of Utopia have a special dreamtime story about the lizard, believing that the lizard carries coloured ochre (natural earth pigments) in the sack around its neck and is responsible for the distribution of ochre (colour) throughout the desert landscape.
The Mountain Devil Lizard is also known as the Thorny Devil Lizard. Seen from above this is a thoroughgoing map that includes the tracks and destinations of her totem, the 'Mountain Devil Lizard'. The painting is made of synthetic polymer paint on canvas and has been signed verso 'Kathleen'. The artwork is in excellent condition and has been professionally stretched and is ready to hang. Provenance: Lawsons Fine Art Auctions

Dimensions

115cm x 89cm stretched

Bio

Kathleen Petyarre was an Australian Aboriginal artist. Her art refers directly to her country and her Dreamings. Petyarre's paintings have occasionally been compared to the works of American Abstract Expressionists Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, and even to those of J.M.W. Turner.