Artist: Josepha (Josie) Petrick Kemarre | Title: Angkwerrpme (Bush Plum or Mistletoe) | Year: 2021 | Medium: acrylic on linen | Dimensions: 30 x 30 cm
PROVENANCE
Mbantua Gallery, NT
ARTWORK STORY
Though Josepha calls these little berries 'bush plum' in English, Angkwerrpme is the name for Mistletoe in Josepha's language. There are many different types of angkwerrpme in Central Australia, where all but one or two produce edible berries. In this painting Josepha paints one that has sweet edible berries that can be found in shades of yellow, red, orange and purple (or black) in their different stages of maturity. Josepha says they can be found growing on the Witchetty Bush (Acacia kempeana).
In this painting, Josepha depicts the angkwerrpme through intricate dot work, and the colours she has used signify these various ripening stages.
Artist Profile
COMMUNITY/ REGION
Atitjera (Harts Range), NT
LANGUAGE
Arrernte
BIOGRAPHY
Josepha Petrick Kemarre grew up at Santa Teresa Mission in Central Australia, where she lived a traditional lifestyle, collecting bush foods and participating in ceremonies. She married Robin Petyarre, and together they moved to Mt Swan in the Utopia region, where they raised their seven children and a nephew. Josepha began painting around 1990 and became well-known for her detailed depictions of the Bush Plum Dreaming, which reflect her connection to her father’s country. Her work is featured in major Australian collections, and she has exhibited widely across the country.
REFERENCES
Mbantua Gallery, (n.d) Josepha Petrick Kemarre.
(2004) Aboriginal Artists Dictionary of Biographies, J.B. Publishing Australia.
Bim Bam Brisbane. (n.d.). Josepha Petrick Kemarre.
PROVENANCE
Mbantua Gallery, NT
ARTWORK STORY
Though Josepha calls these little berries 'bush plum' in English, Angkwerrpme is the name for Mistletoe in Josepha's language. There are many different types of angkwerrpme in Central Australia, where all but one or two produce edible berries. In this painting Josepha paints one that has sweet edible berries that can be found in shades of yellow, red, orange and purple (or black) in their different stages of maturity. Josepha says they can be found growing on the Witchetty Bush (Acacia kempeana).
In this painting, Josepha depicts the angkwerrpme through intricate dot work, and the colours she has used signify these various ripening stages.
Artist Profile
COMMUNITY/ REGION
Atitjera (Harts Range), NT
LANGUAGE
Arrernte
BIOGRAPHY
Josepha Petrick Kemarre grew up at Santa Teresa Mission in Central Australia, where she lived a traditional lifestyle, collecting bush foods and participating in ceremonies. She married Robin Petyarre, and together they moved to Mt Swan in the Utopia region, where they raised their seven children and a nephew. Josepha began painting around 1990 and became well-known for her detailed depictions of the Bush Plum Dreaming, which reflect her connection to her father’s country. Her work is featured in major Australian collections, and she has exhibited widely across the country.
REFERENCES
Mbantua Gallery, (n.d) Josepha Petrick Kemarre.
(2004) Aboriginal Artists Dictionary of Biographies, J.B. Publishing Australia.
Bim Bam Brisbane. (n.d.). Josepha Petrick Kemarre.