Molly Pwerle

Molly Pwerle was a revered senior Anmatyerre woman, cultural leader, and artist from Atnwengerrp, in the Utopia region of Central Australia. She was the younger sister of trailblazing artist Minnie Pwerle and the aunt of internationally recognised artist Barbara Weir.

Molly began painting on canvas in 2004, when Barbara arranged a painting workshop for Molly and her younger sisters, Galya and Emily, to join their eldest and already celebrated sister Minnie. Though she came to painting late in life, Molly's artistic voice arrived fully formed. Her works quickly gained recognition for their bold, expressive style and deep cultural resonance.

All of the sisters had a lifetime of experience as ceremonial women, deeply immersed in the knowledge of Awelye Atnwengerrp - the women's ceremonial traditions of their Country. This role included an encyclopedic understanding of the songs, dances, and intricate body designs applied to women's upper chest, breasts, and arms during ceremony. It is this sacred and embodied knowledge that became the wellspring of Molly's artistic brilliance.

Her paintings are joyful and expressive representations of these ceremonial designs and dancing tracks, transformed into vibrant, rhythmic compositions on canvas. Through her art, Molly brought to life the energy of ceremony - the movement, the song, the connection to Country. Her practice was also grounded in Bush Melon Dreaming, a story passed down through her family, for which she held custodial rights.

As the senior "boss woman" of Atnwengerrp, Molly was a respected cultural authority. She lived most of her life on her ancestral lands, maintaining traditional customs, hunting bush foods, and participating in community life. Molly painted not only as an individual but also collaboratively with her sisters, producing powerful group works that reflected their shared kinship and ceremonial identity.

Her work was exhibited across Australia and internationally, including in notable shows such as The Pwerle Sisters (DACOU, 2010), and Utopia - Colours of the Desert (Seoul, 2009).

Molly was known not only for her art but for her vivacious spirit and unwavering devotion to her culture. She passed away in 2023 and is deeply missed by her family and community. Her legacy as a cultural custodian, artist, and matriarch lives on through her art and through the generations she inspired and protected.




Copyright Kate Owen Gallery September 2025