- Ada Bird Petyarre (c. 1930 – June 2009) was a senior Anmatyerre Aboriginal artist and a pioneering figure in the contemporary desert art movement from the Utopia region in the Northern Territory, Australia.
- Key Biographical Details
- Born: c. 1930 at Atnangkere (Old Utopia Station), northeast of Alice Springs.
- Passed Away: June 2009 (in Alice Springs, following a stroke in 2004 that ended her painting career).
- Language Group: Anmatyerre.
- Country: Atnangkere.
- Family: One of seven celebrated sisters known as the “Seven Petyarre Sisters”—including artists Gloria Petyarre and Kathleen Petyarre. She had six children (daughters June and Hilda, and sons Paddy, Colin, Stephen, and Ronnie). [1, 2, 3]
- Artistic Career
- Batik Origins: Began her artistic practice in the late 1970s as a founding member of the Utopia Women’s Batik Group, creating silk batiks that laid the groundwork for the region’s art movement. Her work featured on the cover of the landmark 1990 publication Utopia – A Picture Story. German filmmaker Wim Wenders also acquired one of her batiks and gave her a role in a film shot partly in Central Australia. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Acrylic Painting: Transitioned to painting with acrylics on canvas in 1988 during the CAAMA Summer Project. Held her first solo exhibition at Utopia Art Sydney in 1990. [1, 2]
- Themes & Style: Known for vibrant colors, bold linear patterns, and delicate dot work. Her central subjects included Awelye (women’s ceremonial body paint designs) and Dreamings such as the Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard), Bush Beans (Angerema), Emu, and Pencil Yam. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Major Collections: Her works are held in premier collections including the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Art Gallery of South Australia, and the Holmes à Court Collection. [1, 2]
- Would you like to know more about her specific Dreaming stories, her batik works, or where to view her pieces in public collections?
soldMar. 05, 2026ADA BIRD PETYARRE, GREEN AWELY #1 1998,Est: $300 – $500Sold:$300ADA BIRD PETYARRE, GREEN AWELY #1 1998, SCREENPRINT ED. 7/50, SIGNED, TITLED AND EDITIONED BELOW IMAGE, 41.5 X 59.5CM, FRAME SIZE: 73.5 X 87CMLeonard Joel
soldOct. 31, 2025Ada Bird Petyarr(e), (c.1920 – 2009), Endunga Dreaming, 1990, synthetic polymer paint on canvasEst: $2,000 – $3,500Sold:$2,800Ada Bird Petyarr(e) (c.1920 – 2009) Endunga Dreaming, 1990 synthetic polymer paint on canvas Ada Bird Petyarr(e), a senior Anmatyerr(e) artist from Mulga Bore, was among the first generation of women painters from Utopia to achieve wide recognition in the early 1990s. Her works draw on ceremonial knowledge associated with women’s Dreamings, expressed in bold linear compositions and expansive dotted surfaces. Endunga Dreaming depicts the story of the Endunga, a wild grass ground into flour for damper. The central roundel marks the ceremonial site, while radiating pathways connect to tree-like forms symbolising the plant itself. The rhythmic bands of ochre, yellow, and white dots evoke both the physical terrain of Mulga Bore and the ceremonial energies that animate it. Executed with characteristic intensity, this painting exemplifies Petyarr(e)’s role in bringing Utopia women’s painting into national and international prominenceTheodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
soldSep. 30, 2025Ada Petyarre Bird, Anmatyerre (1930), Awelye – Woman’s Ceremony 2003, Acrylic on canvasEst: $300 – $500Sold:$200Ada Petyarre Bird Anmatyerre (1930) Awelye – Woman’s Ceremony 2003 Acrylic on canvas Catalogue number: MB016178Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
soldJun. 29, 2025ADA BIRD PETYARRE, (1930-2009), “Awelye”, Acrylic on canvas., 46cm x 107cmEst: $600 – $1,200Sold:$350ADA BIRD PETYARRE (1930-2009) “Awelye” Acrylic on canvas. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity. Artwork is stretched and ready to hang.Ozbid Auctions
soldMay. 28, 2025ADA BIRD PETYARRE, (c1930 – 2009), Green Awelye, no. 1, screenprint, ed. 1/50, 41 x 59 cm. (16.1 x 23.2 in.), frame: 67 x 82 x 4 cm. (26.3 x 32.2 x 1.5 in.)Est: $80 – $120Sold:$70ADA BIRD PETYARRE (c1930 – 2009) Green Awelye, no. 1 screenprint, ed. 1/50 signed lower rightLawsons
passedJul. 15, 2024Various Artists – Crossroads: Millennium Portfolio of Australian Aboriginal Artist INDIVIDUALLY FRAMED , A Limited Edition Collection of Works, 1997-1999, screenprint, etching, woodcut, lithograph, various sizes from 43Est: $10,000 – $15,000PassedVarious Artists – Crossroads: Millennium Portfolio of Australian Aboriginal Artist INDIVIDUALLY FRAMED A Limited Edition Collection of Works, 1997-1999 screenprint, etching, woodcut, lithograph edition: 41/99, 1. Ada Bird Petyarre, Aweyle 2. Gloria Tamerre Petyarre, Arnkerrthe 3. Johnny Bulunbulun, Gotiitj Wirrka 4. Mick Kubarkku, New Moon, Full Moon 5. Robert Cole, Spirit II 6. Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, Emu Dreaming 7. Rover Thomas, Well 33 (Crossroads 8. Ginger Riley Munduwalawala, Ngak Ngak 9. Turkey Tolson Tjupyurrula, Straightening the Spears 10. Judy Watson, Red Rock 11. Kitty Kantilla, Pumpuni Jilamara (Good Design) 12. Queenie McKenzie, Mingmarriya (12)Shapiro Auctioneers
soldJan. 19, 2023ADA BIRD PETYARRE, BUSH BEAN DREAMING 1999, SCREENPRINT ED. 86/99, 32 X 50CM, FRAME SIZE: 66 X 83CM PROVENANCE: THE NATIONAL AUSTR…Est: $200 – $300Sold:$320ADA BIRD PETYARRE, BUSH BEAN DREAMING 1999, SCREENPRINT ED. 86/99, 32 X 50CM, FRAME SIZE: 66 X 83CM PROVENANCE: THE NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK ART COLLECTIONLeonard Joel
soldOct. 11, 2022Various Artists – Crossroads: Millennium Portfolio of Australian Aboriginal Artists, ed. 55/99, 1999Est: $10,000 – $15,000Sold:$18,000A portfolio of 12 limited edition prints created between 1997 – 1999 including etchings, woodcuts, and lithographs in an edition of 99. 1. Ada Bird Petyarre, Aweyle 2. Gloria Tamerre Petyarre, Arnkerrthe 3. Johnny Bulunbulun, Gotiitj Wirrka 4. Mick Kubarkku, New Moon, Full Moon 5. Robert Cole, Spirit II 6. Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, Emu Dreaming 7. Rover Thomas, Well 33 (Crossroads 8. Ginger Riley Munduwalawala, Ngak Ngak 9. Turkey Tolson Tjupyurrula, Straightening the Spears 10. Judy Watson, Red Rock 11. Kitty Kantilla, Pumpuni Jilamara (Good Design) 12. Queenie McKenzie, MingmarriyaCooee Art
soldAug. 11, 2022ADA BIRD (1930-2004) Bush Bean Dreaming 1999 screenprint, ed. 97/99Est: $300 – $500Sold:$280ADA BIRD (1930-2004) Bush Bean Dreaming 1999 screenprint, ed. 97/99 editioned, titled and signed in pencil below image 32 x 50cm; 65 x 83cm PROVENANCE: The National Australia Bank Art CollectionLeonard Joel
soldJun. 16, 2022ADA BIRD, GREEN AWELYE, SCREENPRINT ED. 7/50, 42 X 59CM, FRAMED: 73 X 87CM, PROVENANCE: THE NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK ART COLLECTIONEst: $400 – $600Sold:$220ADA BIRD, GREEN AWELYE, SCREENPRINT ED. 7/50, 42 X 59CM, FRAMED: 73 X 87CM, PROVENANCE: THE NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK ART COLLECTIONLeonard Joel
soldJun. 16, 2022ADA BIRD, BUSH BEAN DREAMING, SCREENPRINT 92/99, 32.5 X 50CM, FRAMED: 66 X 83.5CM, PROVENANCE: THE NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK ART COLLE…Est: $200 – $400Sold:$180ADA BIRD, BUSH BEAN DREAMING, SCREENPRINT 92/99, 32.5 X 50CM, FRAMED: 66 X 83.5CM, PROVENANCE: THE NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK ART COLLECTIONLeonard Joel
soldApr. 28, 2022ADA BIRD (c.1930–2009) Bush Bean Dreaming 1999 screenprint, ed. 90/99Est: $400 – $600Sold:$550ADA BIRD (c.1930–2009) Bush Bean Dreaming 1999 screenprint, ed. 90/99 editioned, titled and signed in pencil below image 33 x 50.5cm PROVENANCE: The National Australia Bank Art CollectionLeonard Joel
soldFeb. 15, 2021Ada Bird Untitled Acrylic on CanvasEst: $100 – $200Sold:$55AdaBird Untitled Acrylic on Canvas Written Verso: “Property of CAAMA” Stock Number: 83-490 140 x 72 cmTheodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
soldJun. 16, 2019ADA BIRD “Awelye – Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming”Est: $2,000 – $3,000Sold:$800ADA BIRD “Awelye – Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming” Acrylic on canvas. Painted for Utopia’s Artist, Alice Springs. Artwork is Stretched and ready to hang. 81cm x 116cmOzbid Auctions
passedDec. 02, 2018ADA BIRD “Awelye – Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming”Est: –PassedADA BIRD “Awelye – Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming” Acrylic on canvas. Painted for Utopia’s Artist, Alice Springs. Artwork is Stretched and ready to hang. 81cm x 116cmOzbid Auctions
passedSep. 10, 2017Ada Bird Acrylic on canvasEst: $1,500 – $2,500PassedAda Bird Acrylic on canvas 121 x 149 cmTheodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
passedJun. 04, 2017Ada Bird 1998 Body Paint synthetic polymer paint on canvasEst: $500 – $1,500PassedAda Bird 1998 Body Paint synthetic polymer paint on canvas 197 x 123 cm PROVENANCE: Kimberley Australian Aboriginal Art Certificate of Authenticity. Catalogue Number: KA.851Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
passedDec. 11, 2016Ada Bird 1998 Body Paint synthetic polymer paint on canvasEst: $1,200 – $3,500PassedAda Bird 1998 Body Paint synthetic polymer paint on canvas 197 x 123 cm PROVENANCE: Kimberley Australian Aboriginal Art Certificate of Authenticity. Catalogue Number: KA.851Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
soldMar. 02, 2015ADA BIRD “Body Paint” Acrylic on canvas.Est: $300 – $600Sold:$220ADA BIRD “Body Paint” Acrylic on canvas. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity. Painted for Desert Art Gallery Alice Springs. Artwork is ready to hang. 40cm x 62cmOzbid Auctions
passedNov. 23, 2014ADA BIRD “Body Paint” Acrylic on canvas.Est: $300 – $600PassedADA BIRD “Body Paint” Acrylic on canvas. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity. Painted for Desert Art Gallery Alice Springs. Artwork is ready to hang. 40cm x 62cmOzbid Auctions
passedSep. 08, 2014Ada Bird Petyarre c.1935 Awelye Acrylic on canvasEst: $2,500 – $3,500PassedAda Bird Petyarre c.1935 Awelye Acrylic on canvas Unstretched Painted:2003 Location: Mulga Bore, Utopia Catalogue No: ADA140 Certificate of Authenticity: Red Sand Art Gallery Provenance: Work in progress photos Red Sand Gallery operated in Ti Tree and Alice Springs, NT, from 1996 to 2008 under the directorship of Mr. Peter King. This highly respected gallery had close and direct links with many remote Aboriginal communities, specializing in fine art works from Kintore and the Utopia homelands. 120cm x 200cmTheodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
soldDec. 15, 2013ADA BIRD “Body Paint” Acrylic on canvasEst: $1,000 – $2,000Sold:$300ADA BIRD “Body Paint” Acrylic on canvas Artwork is stretched and ready to hang Comes with certificate of authenticity 120cm x 65cmOzbid Auctions
passedOct. 27, 2013ADA BIRD “Body Paint” Acrylic on canvasEst: $1,000 – $2,000PassedADA BIRD “Body Paint” Acrylic on canvas Artwork is stretched and ready to hang Comes with certificate of authenticity 120cm x 65cmOzbid Auctions
passedSep. 15, 2013ADA BIRD “Body Paint” Acrylic on canvasEst: $1,000 – $2,000PassedADA BIRD “Body Paint” Acrylic on canvas Artwork is stretched and ready to hang Comes with certificate of authenticity 120cm x 65cmOzbid Auctions
passedJun. 02, 2013ADA BIRD “Body Paint” Acrylic on canvasEst: $1,000 – $2,000PassedADA BIRD “Body Paint” Acrylic on canvas Artwork is stretched and ready to hang Comes with certificate of authenticity 120cm x 65cmOzbid Auctions
soldJul. 27, 2010Ada Bird Petyarre, born circa 1930, ATNANGKERE STORYEst: $1,000 – $2,000Sold:$3,840Ada Bird Petyarre, born circa 1930, ATNANGKERE STORY batik on silk 112 by 244CM Provenance: Painted at Utopia in the late 1980s Rodney Gooch, Alice Springs Private collection Cf. For a similar batik by the artist see Atnangkere Story in Anne Marie Brody, Utopia: a picture story: 88 silk batiks from theSmith & Singer
passedMar. 13, 2010PETYARRE, Ada Bird (b.c.1930)Est: $1,200 – $2,000PassedAwelye Alchira – Bushy Park NT, Aug ’97, CR Grooch Alice Springs. Utopia Gallery, Darlinghurst label verso. Exhibited ‘Ada Bird Petyarre, Mountain Devil Lizard,’ May 1998 (1-897).Davidson Auctions
passedNov. 07, 2009PETYARRE, Ada Bird (b.c.1930) ‘Awelye – BodyEst: $3,500 – $4,500PassedPETYARRE, Ada Bird (b.c.1930) ‘Awelye – Body Painting for Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming,’ 2004. Certificate available. Acrylic on Belgian Linen 137x101cmDavidson Auctions
passedNov. 04, 2009PETYARRE ADA BIRD (ANMATYERRE) (circa 1930 – 2009) AWEYLE, 1998 Acrylique sur toile (cotton duck)Est: €2,500 – €3,000PassedPETYARRE ADA BIRD (ANMATYERRE) (circa 1930 – 2009) AWEYLE, 1998 Acrylique sur toile (cotton duck) signée et datée “Ada Brid Petyarre March’98” et titrée au dos Cette oeuvre porte la référence “17-398” au dos h: 190 w: 55,50 cm Provenance : Collection particulière, Amsterdam Commentaire : Un certificat n° 17-398 sera remis à l’acquéreurArtcurial
passedJul. 21, 2008PETYAR AB ADA BIRD PETYARRE Utopia NT (born c.Est: $1,000 – $1,500PassedPETYAR AB ADA BIRD PETYARRE Utopia NT (born c. 1935) Awelye (Mountain Devil Lizard) acrylic on canvas artist’s name inscribed verso bears catalogue number MB7887 73 x 52 cm Provenance: Mbantua Gallery NT. Private collection. Certificate supplied.Leonard Joel