Cindy Wallace

Originally hailing from the Santa Teresa Community, situated approximately one hour from Alice Springs in Central Australia, Cindy Wallace is deeply connected to her indigenous roots. She is married to Stephen Bird, the son of the renowned Utopian artist Ada Bird Petyarre. Following their union, Cindy relocated to Stephen's ancestral lands in Mulga Bore, within the Utopia region, an Aboriginal Community located several hours away from Alice Springs.

Born in 1978, Cindy is the sister of Colleen Wallace Nungari, an emerging artist in Central Art. Both siblings were raised under the guidance of their aunt Kathleen Wallace, a respected Keringke artist and influential mentor in the Santa Teresa Community.

Despite attending school in Alice Springs, Cindy's upbringing centered on traditional education and the fundamental values associated with her country and Dreamings. Her father's ancestral land is Annamurra (near Gem Tree), while her mother's roots trace back to Arrulka (near Conniston Station).

Self-taught and passionate about painting for over 12 years, Cindy's art serves as a visual narrative of Women's Ceremonies. These compositions explore themes such as initiations, seasonal changes in food sources, and Awelye—an encompassing term for all aspects of "women's business." The intricate body paint designs depicted in her works mirror those applied to the chest, breasts, and shoulders of women participating in ceremonies. These designs also symbolize the dancing tracks followed during ceremonial occasions, embodying stories that hold significant importance in Aboriginal society, contributing to the teaching and preservation of cultural heritage.