Josie Kunoth Petyarre

Josie Kunoth Petyarre is an Anmatyerre artist from the eastern desert region of Utopia. She lives at a remote outstation named Pungalindum with her husband Dinni Kunoth Kemarre, their five sons, four daughters and four grandchildren. Josie Kunoth Petyarre began producing art in the early-1980s as part of the Utopia Women’s Batik Group and was involved in the 1988 Picture Story batik project and the 1989 A Summer Project which marked the beginning of painting at Utopia. 

 

In early 2005, Josie Kunoth Petyarre began making sculptures for art worker Marc Gooch. Along with a wild menagerie of birds, animals and human figures painted in ceremonial dress, Josie Kunoth Petyarre began adding new and unexpected objects to her repertoire. Josie Kunoth Petyarre began incorporating some of the newer aspects of life at Utopia – carving Toyotas, police cars and tables and chairs. Josie Kunoth Petyarre was experimenting with her art and drawing incorporating everything from the world around her. Drawing boundless inspiration from her surrounds, Josie Kunoth Petyarre carved with a flair and dynamism that set her apart from other sculptors. Using wild colours and unexpected forms, she produced works that reflected her life and personality. According to Marc Gooch, “Each one was like a self-portrait, revealing her spontaneity and individuality.”