Galya Pwerle

Galya Pwerle is a senior Anmatyerre and Alyawarre artist from Atnwengerrp in the Utopia region of Central Australia. Born in the early 1930s, she is the youngest of the renowned Pwerle sisters—alongside Minnie, Emily, and Molly—and the aunt of celebrated artist Barbara Weir. Together, the sisters became known as “The Four Sisters,” contributing a vital and dynamic voice to the story of Utopian art.

Raised in a traditional bush environment, Galya grew up deeply connected to her culture and country. She spent many of her younger years working as a nanny on nearby cattle stations, where she learned to speak English, before returning to her community to live on her ancestral land. In 2004, she began painting alongside her sisters, capturing the deep ceremonial and cultural knowledge that had been passed down through generations.

Galya’s artworks are grounded in Awelye (women’s ceremonial body paint designs) and Bush Melon Dreaming—important themes in her family and community. Her paintings feature expressive dotting, organic movement, and bold colours that represent the physical and spiritual connections to land, ceremony, and kinship. Her distinctive style holds both energy and delicacy, reflecting the strength and grace of women’s ceremonial traditions.

Now in her 90s, Galya continues to paint in her homeland. Her work has been exhibited across Australia and internationally, and is held in a number of private and institutional collections. Galya Pwerle’s paintings speak to the enduring strength of culture, and the beauty found in honouring women’s stories and Country through art.