Myrtle Petyarre

Myrtle Petyarre was born c.1932 at Utopia Station in Central Australia. She is known as one of the known 'Petyarre Sisters' , a sisterhod which includes highly collectable artists Kathleen Petyarre and Gloria Petyarre. All seven of the sisters are well known artists. Sadly, both Nancy Kunoth Petyarre and Ada Bird Petyarre passed away in 2010, leaving behind Kathleen Petyarre, Gloria Petyarre, Violet Petyarre and Jean Petyarre. In March 2014 Mrytle Petyarre passed away after an illness.  

Myrtle was involved with the Utopia Women’s Batik group since its inception in the early 70’s and made the swift movement to acrylics in 1988 with CAAMA's Summer Project. 

Myrtle is known for her bold linear patterns illustrating Awelye (women's ceremonial body paint designs) for her main Dreamtime story, Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard).

• Kreczmanski, Janusz B & Birnberg, Margo (eds.): Aboriginal Artists: Dictionary of Biographies: Central Desert, Western Desert & Kimberley Region (JB Publishing Australia, Marleston, 2004) © Artist image arts photographer Sabine Haider , Central Art 2008