Barbara Weir

Barbara Weir was born around 1945 at Bundy River Station in the Utopia region of Central Australia. She was the daughter of renowned artist Minnie Pwerle and Irish stockman Jack Weir. As a child of mixed heritage, Barbara was removed from her family at the age of nine under the policies of the Stolen Generations. She spent her youth in various institutions, disconnected from her cultural roots.

In the late 1960s, Barbara was reunited with her family in Utopia. She became actively involved in the land rights movement and was elected the first female president of the Urapuntja Council in 1985. Her leadership played a pivotal role in the community's efforts to reclaim and protect their ancestral lands.

Barbara began her artistic journey in the late 1980s, initially working with batik before transitioning to acrylic painting. Her works often depict Awelye (women’s ceremony), Grass Seed Dreaming, and representations of her mother’s country, Atnwengerrp. Through her art, Barbara sought to reconnect with her heritage and share her cultural stories.

Her paintings are held in major public collections, including the Art Gallery of South Australia, Artbank, and the Queensland Art Gallery. Barbara Weir passed away on 3 January 2023, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence contemporary Aboriginal art.