Rosemary Pitjarra Petyarre

Rosemary was born on the Boundary Bore Outstation of Utopia, in the Central Desert Region of Australia, into a family of well known artists. Her country is Alhalkere, Boundary Bore, and language Anmatyerre.

She is a cousin of the famous 7 Petyarre sisters of Utopia which include Gloria Petyarre, Nancy, Myrtle, Kathleen, Violet, and Ada Bird. She has no children but is a wonderful auntie to her sister Jeannie's children and extended family.

Rosemary started painting batik work in the eighties. She became a member of one of the most important groups to develop out of desert painting - the Utopia women. Initially this group produced batik work using desert designs on silk and cotton. The success of the batik movement led eventually to the artists - mostly women - trying their hand at painting with acrylic on linen in the summer of 1988-9. Their efforts were well coordinated by CAAMA in what was termed "A Summer Project". The project provided the opportunity for Rosemary to begin as a painter. Her work was featured in the Robert Holmes A Court Collection in 1990.

Rosemary paints the Bush Medicine, Yam Leaves and Yam Root Dreamings. Rosemary's paintings reflect her gentle, soft nature.

Collections
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra Holmes-A-Court Collection, Perth

Exhibitions
· 1989 Utopia Women's Paintings A Summer Project
· 1990 A picture Story, 88 silk works from the Holmes A Court Collection, UK
· 1993 Central Australian Aboriginal Art & Craft Exhibition, Alice Springs
· 2006 Cicada Trading at the Bahrain Arts Society, the Kingdom of Bahrain
· 2006 Cicada Trading in Abu Dhabi, UAE
· 2007 Cicada Trading in Abu Dhabi, UAE