#120 Bush Seed Dreaming Artist: JEDDA PURVIS KNGWARREYE: 200cm x 73cm

ARTIST:  Jedda Purvis Kngwarreye

TITLE:  Yam Seed Dreaming

MEDIUM:  Acrylic on Canvas

BIOGRAPHY:

Jedda was born at Boundary Bore, a part of the Utopia community located approximately 240 kms NE of Alice Springs.  She is the Daughter of renowned Utopian Artist Greeny Purvis Petyarre (1945-2010) and Kathleen Kemarre, both of whom contributed significantly to the region's artistic legacy.

Jedda began her artistic journey in the late 1980's as a participant in the landmark project Utopia: A Picture Story.  This community based initiative introduced silk batik techniques to the women of Utopia and resulted in a collection of 88 works, later acquired by the Robert Homes a Court Collection and exhibited internationally in Ireland and Scotland.

Her work often centres on the Dreaming story of "Kame" (Yam) a sacred narrative passed down through her Father's lineage.  This dreaming is one of Utopia's most significant cultural stories and was also shared by the late Emily Kame Kngwarreye, one of Australia's most celebrated Aboriginal artists.  The pencil yam is both a vital food source and a traditional healing plant for the Anmatyerre people and it holds deep spiritual importance.

In her paintings, Jedda portrays the root system of the yam plant using intricate patterns and a refine, personal colour palette that has become her signature style.  Through these works she honours the women's ceremonial traditions that celebrate and sustain the life cycle of the yam.

Jedda is recognised as an emerging artist with a growing following, known for her deep cultural connection, fine technique and distinctive visual language.