Bush Yam (Leaves) by Janet Golder Kngwarreye - 147 x 147 cm (#JGK 240810)

Bush Yam (Leaves) by Janet Golder Kngwarreye depicts a design associated with Bush Yam Dreaming performed by women in the Utopia region. Janet is one of the custodians of Yam Dreaming.

During the ceremony, women paint their bodies with ochre and spinifex ash mixed with kangaroo or emu fat. Bush Yam (dioscorea bulbifera) is a staple food source for Aborigines in the Utopia region.  They grow underground and the leaf like patterns shown in this painting depict the yam flowers and leaves above the ground. 

Janet's style is characterised by the use of vibrant colours. Her paintings are distinguished by the use of linear brush strokes that evoke the rhythmic movement of yam leaves.  This optical illusion and organic vibration are achieved by bending and curving certain segments of leaves.

Janet experiments with different tones and colours. She is an emerging young artist who shows promising talent, her grandmother Polly Kngale is a notable artist. Her works are represented in Australian and Overseas collections.