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Antarrengeny – Edie Kemarre Holmes

The community of Ampilatwatja made a conscious decision not to paint ‘altyerr’ dreaming stories. The artists paint their country where those stories sit. Antarrengeny is Edie’s country and also her Father’s.

In this painting Edie depicts Antarrengeny, “when there has been no rain and the land shimmers like jewels. It is the open flat country, after a bushfire, when only the young grasses and the trees are growing and where there is good hunting.”

Edie has a strong connection to Antarrengeny. She gave birth to two of her daughters ‘out bush’ on this land. It is her country and she loves it dearly.

Name: Edie Kemarre Holmes


Language: Alyawarre


Community: Ampilatwatja


Biography:

Edie Kemarre Holmes was born near Hatches Creek. She has four brothers and one sister. She enjoys life at Ampilatwatja with her children and grandchildren.

"My fathers’ country is Antarrengeny; my mothers’ country is Akwerantye. We paint because we enjoy it." Edie paints her country, "Apmer Mwerrangker", meaning beautiful country.

"If I’m not painting, I like to go hunting for goanna and bush potato. I hope in the future, I can just keep going around here."

Edie has continued to develop her own style, and she is easily recognised by her ghost gum trees and fine dot work. She was also one of the original artists in the Utopian Batik movement in the 1980's.

Edie is passionate about art, country and culture; she brought her three daughters up with the same passions. All three of her daughters are talented artists within the community and often the ladies spend time together painting.


© the artist / art centre