Jeannie Petyarre, who sadly passed in December 2022, was a prominent Utopia artist and niece to Emily Kam Kngwarray.
Jeannie's dreamings came from Alhalkere Country passed down from her father's side and include Yam Seed, Yam Leaf, and Yam Flower Dreamings. Body painting, the Mountain Devil Lizard and her Country captivated her.
After breaking out through the prcatice of Batik, Jeannie was encouraged by her aunt Emily to continue painting her family's Yam Dreaming. Her paintings were included in the first touring exhibition of Utopia art in 1989.
Jeannie became more well known for her colourful, flowing paintings of Bush Yam Leaves, like the example we have here. Her work featured in the 2022 'Connection' exhibition at the National Museum of Australia.