Barbara Weir

Barbara Weir was born circa 1945 at what was formerly known as Bundy Station in the Utopia region. Her country is Atnwengerrp and her language is Anmatyerre and Alyawarr. Barbara Weir's mother (Minnie Pwerle) was Aboriginal and her father Irish. Being of a mixed heritage, she was taken away from her family at the age of nine as was common for 'half caste' children - these people are now known as the stolen generation: whilst collecting water, Barbara Weir was taken by Native Welfare and her family believed she had been killed. She was fostered out to various families. She lost contact with her family for some time but never forgot. In the late 1960's she returned to Utopia with her 6 children. She re-established contact with all her family including the late Emily Kame Kngwarreye who had looked after her as a child and her Grandfather Quartpot Akemarr. She re-learnt the languages and her culture.

Barbara Weir's dreamings include 'Bush Berry', 'My Mothers Country', 'Awelye' and her famous 'Grass Seed' dreaming. These she paints with an explosive mixture of ancient Aboriginal spirituality and modern white culture. Barbara is continually experimenting with colour and patterns which makes her one of the most exciting Aboriginal artists to emerge into the world of mainstream art.

Barbara Weir's paintings have been exhibited extensively throughout Australia and the world, including Japan, America and Europe, drawing rave reviews. She has also featured in a number of television documentaries.

Cicada Trading gallery exhibited Barbara Weir's work in the USA, France and the Middle East in 2006.