Charmaine’s artistic expression
is informed by a love and deep knowledge of her country, the Atnwengerrp (pronounced
a-noong-a-pa) region of Utopia, and the rich cultural and ceremonial
life of her ancestral home. Charmaine depicts aspects of Awelye –
women’s ceremony and body paint designs – representing the ritual application
of ochre pigment to women’s chests, breasts and shoulders in patterns that correspond
with each woman’s Dreaming. Charmaine’s painting style echoes the gestural
brushwork that was pioneered by her grandmother Minnie Pwerle, but lends her
canvases a wholly unique style with layers of visual frenetic movement and
flair. Charmaine’s journey to deepen her connection to her country and her
Dreaming is represented in her paintings; an undeniable reverance for the
ancient traditions of her culture, fused with vivid and dynamic contemporary
expression.