Myrtle Petyerre

Myrtle Petyerre is an Anmatyerre artist from Atneltyeye (Boundary Bore), a community within the Utopia region of Central Australia. Born in the early 1940s, Myrtle grew up immersed in the traditions and stories of her Country, surrounded by a rich lineage of artists and cultural custodians. Her artistic practice is deeply connected to the landscape, seasonal cycles, and women’s ceremonial knowledge passed down through generations.

Myrtle began painting in the 1980s during the rise of the Utopia art movement, which saw many women from the region express their Dreaming stories through canvas and batik. She quickly established herself as a distinctive voice within this movement, known for her fluid brushwork, layered textures, and an intuitive use of colour.

Her works often depict Bush Medicine Leaves, a recurring theme across Utopia women’s art that speaks to both the spiritual and practical knowledge of the land. These paintings honour the importance of native plants used in traditional healing practices and reflect the ongoing relationship between Anmatyerre people and their environment. Myrtle’s art conveys a deep sense of movement and rhythm, evoking the way leaves are gathered, prepared, and carried through ceremony and care.

Myrtle is part of the extended Petyerre family, which includes several renowned artists, and she has contributed significantly to the visibility of women’s art from Utopia in both national and international exhibitions. Her works are held in major collections across Australia and continue to attract recognition for their beauty and cultural depth.

Today, Myrtle Petyerre is acknowledged as a senior artist and respected cultural knowledge holder. Through her paintings, she keeps alive the ancestral stories, plant knowledge, and ceremonial practices of her people, offering viewers a glimpse into the strength and wisdom of Anmatyerre Country.