Dulcie Long Pula / My Country (DLP177)

Dulcie Long Pula was born in 1979 at Boundary Bore Outstation in the Utopia region of the Northern Territory.  She is an Anmatyerre woman.

Dulcie is a member of one of the most renowned painting families in Australia. Dulcie’s mother is respected artist Jeannie (Pitjara) Petyarre and her famous relatives include Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Gloria and Kathleen Petyarre, Greeny Purvis Petyarre and the Pwerle sisters, Minnie, Emily, Galya and Molly.

It was these relatives who encouraged Dulcie to paint the Desert Yam (or Bush Plum) story from her family’s country which she does so with meticulous execution. Dulcie depicts the leaves of the yam, paying homage to the spirit of this special plant in the hope that it will regenerate. Recently, Dulcie has painted a series of works which depict her ancestral Country of Alhalkere as well as bold Awelye-Atnwengerrp (Body Paint) artworks.

A very traditional lady, Dulcie lives with her extended family at Utopia and works as a carer at the aged care facility.  Dulcie will no doubt delight collectors within Australia and worldwide with the unique art of Utopia, memorable for the amazing colour and flowing imagery.

Selected Exhibitions

2023
• Central Desert Showcase, Kate Owen Gallery, Sydney

2022
• Synergy 2022, First Nations Artists from around Australia, Everywhen Art, Shoreham

2021
• Sounds of Summer 2, Japingka Gallery, Fremantle
• Across the Top 2021, Art Mob, Hobart
• Top 20 2021, Art Mob, Hobart

2020
• Sounds of Summer, Japingka Gallery, Fremantle
• Central Focus, Art Mob, Hobart
• Top 20 Exhibition, Art Mob, Hobart

2019
• defining tradition | black + white, Kate Owen Gallery, Sydney
• International Women’s Day, Kate Owen Gallery, Sydney
• Small is Beautiful, Japingka Gallery, Fremantle

2017
• Intricate Expressions, Kate Owen Gallery, Sydney

Dulcie depicts from a topographical view in fine detail, multi layered elements associated with her homelands of Utopia in Central Australia. The illustration is important visually and spiritually of country – sand hills, river beds and significant landmarks for ceremonies. This is often done in groups so that knowledge is passed down from older to younger women. Ceremonial sites are where the women gather for girls’ initiation and other cultural Law matters. The women sit around the waterholes, with the waterholes being full in the dry desert land. Due to this, there was plenty of bush tucker around for the women to eat during the sometimes very long period of time they camped out for Women’s Business.