Jeannie Pitjara Petyarre

Jeannie was born in 1957 on the Boundary Bore Outstation of Utopia, in the Central Desert Region of Australia, into a family of well known artists. Her country is Alhalkere, Boundary Bore, and language Anmatyerre.

She is a cousin of the famous 7 Petyarre sisters of Utopia which include Gloria Petyarre, Nancy, Myrtle, Kathleen, Violet, and Ada Bird. She has 3 sons and 3 daughters, Pandora, Dolcy and Heather. She is the niece of the late, great Emily Kame Kngwarreye.

Jeannie started painting batik work in the eighties. She became a member of one of the most important groups to develop out of desert painting - the Utopia women. Initially this group produced batik work using desert designs on silk and cotton. The success of the batik movement led eventually to the artists - mostly women - trying their hand at painting with acrylic on linen in the summer of 1988-9. Their efforts were well coordinated by CAAMA in what was termed "A Summer Project". The project provided the opportunity for Jeannie to begin as a painter. Her work was featured in the Robert Holmes A Court Collection in 1990.

Jeannie paints the Bush Medicine,Bush Peanut, Yam Leaves, Yam Root Dreamings. She captures the spirit and soul of her culture through the use of vibrant colours. Jeannie's work is characterised by vibrant designs celebrating the spirit of the Yam plant as it generates year after year to feed the people. This colourful style was taught to her by her Aunt, the famous Emily Kame Kngwarreye, who told Jeannie before she died that she must continue to paint the family's Yam Dreaming.

Collections
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
Holmes-A-Court Collection, Perth