Ada Bird Petyarre

Ada Bird Petyarre, born in Atnangkere from the Utopia region of the Northern Territory, was a distinguished Anmatyerre artist and a senior custodian of her Country's cultural traditions. As the eldest of the renowned Petyarre sisters, she played a pivotal role in the development of contemporary Aboriginal art from Utopia.

In the late 1970s, Ada was among the pioneering women who embraced batik as a medium for artistic expression, participating in workshops that led to the formation of the Utopia Women's Batik Group. Her batik works gained significant recognition, culminating in their inclusion in the publication Utopia: A Picture Story, which showcased 88 silk batiks acquired by the Holmes à Court Collection.

Transitioning to acrylic painting in 1988 during the CAAMA Summer Project, Ada's artworks became celebrated for their vibrant colours and bold linear patterns. Her primary Dreaming, Awelye (Women's Ceremony), depicted ceremonial body paint designs associated with the Mountain Devil Lizard (Arnkerrthe), reflecting her deep cultural knowledge and connection to Country.

Ada's paintings have been exhibited nationally and internationally, and are held in major public collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Beyond her artistic achievements, Ada was known for her vibrant personality and dedication to cultural preservation.