Australian Aboriginal Art - Josie Petrick Kemarre
(1945-, Soakage Bore, Utopia)

This page presents a pair of vibrant landscapes associated with the area of Utopia, northeast of Alice Springs.

The painting on the left, Bush Berry Dreaming, depicts an abundance of wild bush berries after the rain has transformed the barren desert into a flurry of abundant vegetation. The transformation is not only in growth, but in color and form. Bush berries are edible fruits that can be eaten either raw or cooked and are collected on a daily basis by aboriginal women.

The painting on the right, Ochre Pit Dreaming, depicts ochre pits. The gathering and grinding of natural ochres are used to paint up in aboriginal ceremonies. This painting shows ochre pits near Utopia, northeast of Alice Springs.


Bush Berry Dreaming 1995, acrylic on canvas, 114 x 84 cm

Ochre Pit Dreaming 1996, acrylic on canvas, 114 x 84 cm
The images presented by these paintings change based on the perspective of the viewer. Distance from the painting and lighting both have an impact. The artist employs a subliminal and subtle use of color as a visual tool. There is a natural sense of rhythm and movement in these paintings, which are akin to topographical maps.

Enlargement of Bush Berry Dreaming

Enlargement of Ochre Pit Dreaming

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