'Body
Paint' by Mary Morton Kemarre
Born: c.1925
Region: Utopia - Northern Territory
Language Group: Alyawarre
Mary Kemarre Morton was born in 1925 on MacDonald Downs. Mary Morton’s entire oeuvre is devoted to Awely which refers to the ceremonial world of women’s business and includes women’s ceremonial body designs. These ceremonies are associated with women’s social structure and ritual knowledge. Awely can also refer to particular ceremonies and its songs, dances and designs. Morton’s energy and passion as custodian of the Awely is reflected in the innate lyricism in her work. Mary is represented at The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra and is a highly sought-after artist.
Exhibitions (selected)
1999
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, USA
1998
Chapel off Chapel Gallery, Melbourne