Bush Lollies

Bush Lollies is the first duo exhibition by Kaytetye/Warlpiri sisters Nancy and Rene Long Nungarrayi from the Central Desert community of Ali Curung, about 170 kilometres south of Tennant Creek. The sisters paint both collaboratively and independently, finessing a style which is generally monochromatic (white-on-black) and characterised by intensely fine-stippled dotting. 

 

The sisters’ subject matter generally celebrates pereltye (‘bush lolly’), the Kaytetye word for the sugary substance (honeydew) found on the leaves of the River Red gum tree (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). Pereltye is produced by the psyllid insect (plant lice) and is white in colour, as reflected by their paintings. As with the timing of this exhibition, pereltye usually appear on the leaves in the colder desert months of July and August.

 

Image: Pereltye by Nancy Long Nungarrayi, acrylic on canvas, image courtesy of Outstation Gallery and Arlpwe Arts and Culture