Historical information

Minnie PWERLE (c1910-2006)
Atnwengerrp/Utopia

Minnie Pwerle's Dreamings consist of elements of 'Bush Melon' and 'Awelye'. Awelys-Atnwengerrp' is depicted by a series of lines painted in varying widths and colours. These patters represent the lines painted on the top had of women's bodies during ceremonies in Minnie's country of Atnwengerrp.

'Bush Melon' is depicted using linear design of curves and circles in different colours creating a very loose and bold design. This dreaming tells the story of this lovely sweet food that comes from a very small bush and is only found in Atnwengerrp. Once very abundant and fruiting in the summer season, the Bush Melon is now hard to find. Minnie and other women used to collect this fruit (that was green in colour and then ripened to a brown colour) and scrape out the small black seeds. They would then eat the fruit straight away or cut it in pieces and skewer them onto a piece of wood to dry then to be eaten in the coming months when bush tucker was scarce.

These artistic symbols carry potent spiritual meanings.. The physical creation of these Dreamings in an important part of the continuation of an ancient and rich cultural heritage.

This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.

Physical description

Awelye & Bush Melon Dreaming, 2004
Acrylic on canvas, over three panels