Molly Pwerle ‘PG10100’

Artist

Molly Pwerle
1919 – 2024

Molly Pwerle was the senior “boss woman” of Atnwengerrp and a revered cultural leader. Encouraged by her niece Barbara Weir, she began painting in 2004 alongside her sisters Galya and Emily after a workshop at Irrultja. Molly’s practice centres on Awelye Atnwengerrp (women’s ceremonial body painting) and Bush Melon Dreaming, translating ceremony into bold interweaving lines and an ochre-rich palette that echoes traditional body paint. Though she started late, her voice arrived fully formed, and her works have featured in key exhibitions including The Pwerle Sisters (DACOU, 2010), Utopia – Colours of the Desert (Seoul, 2009) and Atnwengerrp – Our Apmere, Our Place (Pwerle Gallery × Tandanya, 2020).

Molly is deeply missed by her family. Her bravery in protecting newborn Barbara Weir ensured the survival of a lineage of artists and descendants—read more in our Stolen Generations section.

Learn more about Molly Pwerle here.

Artwork Information

Painted in 2020, this work measures 122cm x 91cm. It is currently stretched and ready to hang, with the artist’s signature featured on the canvas.

This artwork was a part of the Tandanya 30th year anniversary exhibition in collaboration with Pwerle Gallery called ‘Atnwengerrp – Our Apmere, Our Place’. It will be provided with a certificate of authenticity by Pwerle Gallery which will also be stamp certified by Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute.

Dreaming

Awelye Atnwengerrp (Women’s Ceremonial Body Painting)
For Molly Pwerle, Awelye Atnwengerrp was more than an artistic subject — it was her responsibility as the oldest woman and a senior “boss woman” in her community. This women’s ceremonial Dreaming embodies the deep connection between women, their Country, and their ancestors. Molly carried the authority to lead and approve these ceremonies, which involve intricate body painting, song, and dance. The ochre designs — long, interwoven lines across the chest, arms, and breasts — are specific to Atnwengerrp and are passed from generation to generation. On canvas, Molly brought these patterns to life with bold, confident strokes, translating the ceremonial markings into a contemporary form while retaining their sacred energy and rhythm.

Learn more here.

Medium

Each artwork is meticulously created using the highest quality materials to ensure longevity, vibrancy, and integrity over time. Artists work with premium linen canvas, selected for its durability and fine texture, paired with professional-grade acrylics and hand-picked brushes. This combination allows for both bold expression and intricate detail, preserving the richness of the stories embedded in every piece. All materials are archival and museum-quality.