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Ivy Pareroultja

(Australia 14 Oct 1952– )

Language group
Western Arrernte, Central Desert region
Title
Pettermann Ranges
Place of origin
Petermann Ranges → Northern Territory → Australia
Cultural origin
Western Arrernte
Year
2011
Media category
Watercolour
Materials used
watercolour on white wove paper on board
Dimensions

169.0 x 54.0cm image (irreg.); 190.0 x 55.8cm sheet

Signature & date
Signed l.r. corner recto, black watercolour "IVY PAREROULTJA". Not dated.
Credit
Purchased with funds provided by the Aboriginal Benefactors Collection Gorup 2012
Accession number
287.2012
Location
Not on display
Further information

Ivy Pareroultja is one of the leaders in a new generation of artists continuing the legacy of the renowned Hermannsburg School of watercolour painters. Ivy is the daughter of Edwin Pareroultja, a contemporary of Albert Namatjira’s and a significant artist in his own right. Significantly, Edwin Pareroultja’s painting 'Amulda Gorge', c.1947 was the first work by an Aboriginal artist purchased for the Gallery’s collection. Edwin, along with his brothers, Otto and Reuben, was known for his use of brilliant colour, graphic forms and strong patternation.

In recent years Ivy Pareroultja has mastered the skills inherited from her father to produce striking watercolours through the Ngurratjuta Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre (Alice Spings). This art centre was established in 2003 to foster the Western Arrernte descendants of the Hermannsburg School of painters, and can be credited with a revival of their distinctive watercolour style.

Pareroultja’s works are distinguished by their luminous high-keyed colour, stylised forms and distinctive line work. The format of her paintings follow the established conventions for Hermannsburg works. However, Pareroultja offers a very personal account of this tradition, through the construction of enlivened landscapes that show the clarity of central Australian light and celebrate Pareroultja’s intimate attachment to country.