Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming

Kathleen Petyarre’s supreme image is her ‘Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming’. In this work she displays a cross motif that is peculiar to this work. Four Dreaming trails converge on a ceremonial square, where secret men’s and women’s business takes place. Angling towards the bottom left corner of the ‘map’ is a watercourse that has been full after rainy times but now leaves a residual pattern that is characteristic of her country. Seen from above this is a thoroughgoing map that includes the tracks and destinations of her totem, the Mountain Devil Lizard. Frequently painted on a black ground with fine cream dotting, this work speaks volumes about Kathleen’s country and her connection with it.