Greeny Purvis Petyarre

Greeny Purvis Petyarre, born at Boundary Bore in the Utopia region of the Northern Territory, was a distinguished Anmatyerre artist and a respected elder of Alhalkere Country. As the eldest nephew of renowned artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Greeny inherited a profound cultural legacy, which he expressed through his art.

Greeny's artistic journey began in the late 1980s, focusing on Dreaming stories integral to his heritage. His works predominantly depicted the Bush Yam (Atnwelarre), Yam Seed, Emu, Turkey, and Kangaroo Dreamings, each reflecting the spiritual and ecological narratives of his Country.

His paintings are characterised by intricate dot work and symbolic motifs, conveying the sacredness of the Dreamings he was entrusted to share. Greeny's art not only served as a visual representation of his cultural narratives but also as a means of preserving and sharing the rich traditions of the Anmatyerre people.

Throughout his career, Greeny's artworks were exhibited both nationally and internationally, including notable exhibitions in Germany, France, and the United States. His works are held in esteemed collections such as the Art Gallery of South Australia, Artbank, and the Aboriginal Art Museum in Utrecht.

Greeny was married to Kathleen Kemarre, and together they had four daughters: Judy, Maureen, Jedda, and Jennifer.