Violet Petyarre was born c. 1946 at Atnangkere Soakage, 275 kms north-east of Alice Springs. She is the niece of the acclaimed artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye and her paintings are held in private collections and numerous Australian and overseas galleries.

Violet Petyarre and her sisters inherited the Thorny Devil Lizard Dreaming from their paternal grandmother. It tells the story of the Old Woman Devil Lizard who travelled across the country creating the landscape and identifying sacred sites. As custodians of the Dreaming, they are obliged to maintain the story and pass it on to the younger generation. Whilst the sisters share the same Dreaming, each one has developed her own unique, contemporary style and interpretation of her Dreaming.

In depicting her Dreaming stories, Violet Petyarre is noted for her structured composition, linear designs and bold, strong colours. Her designs represent women’s ceremonial body paint design.

Violet Petyarre’s paintings are held in private collections and numerous Australian and overseas galleries.