Biography of Galya Pwerle

Early Life and Family

Galya was born around 1925 to 1930 in Irrultja/Utopia, located in the Northern Territory of Australia. She is the younger blood sister of the acclaimed artist Minnie Pwerle and the aunt of the well-known late artist Barbara Weir.

Childhood and Work

As a young girl, Galya worked as a nanny, caring for Jock Chalmers, the son of Mac Chalmers. Mac Chalmers' parents had taken up the lease of MacDonald Downs Station in 1923 and later also leased Utopia Station. In the 1970s, Utopia Station was sold to the government, after which it reverted to Aboriginal ownership.

Artistic Beginnings

In 2004, Galya’s niece Barbara Weir, together with her son Fred Torres, organised a workshop at the Irrultja outstation. It was here that Galya and two of her sisters, Molly and Emily, began painting. These workshops became a regular occurrence, with the sisters painting both collaboratively and individually between sessions. While their collaborative pieces feature individual designs that complement each other, each artist maintains a unique and instantly recognisable style.

Influences and Artistic Themes

Drawing inspiration from the same Dreamings as her sisters, Galya paints the seeds of grasses, bush tomato, wild orange, and Women’s Ceremony, or awelye. Awelye is a design based on dancing tracks made in the sand, which are also painted on the women’s bodies before a ceremony takes place.

Exhibitions and Recognition

Despite having painted for only a relatively short period, Galya’s works have been exhibited in both national and international galleries. Her artworks have been eagerly sought after by galleries and collectors alike.