Awelye (Women’s Ceremony) – Charmaine Pwerle

Charmaine is a talented and established artist, whose paintings are very powerful, bold and modern. Charmaine is the daughter of renowned artist, Barbara Weir (deceased) and granddaughter of the famous artist, Minnie Pwerle (deceased). Her sister Teresa Pwerle and brother Freddie Torres Pwerle are also well-known artists.

Charmaine started painting in 2012. She paints awelye (women’s ceremonial body paint designs) that has been passed onto her from her grandmother. These are linear designs that are painted onto the chest, breasts, arms and thighs. Powders ground from red ochre (clay) and ash are used, applied with a flat stick with soft padding. During the ceremony, Charmaine and the women would sing the songs associated with their awelye, paint each other and dance. Awelye ceremonies are performed to demonstrate respect for the country and the total well-being and health of the community.