Jedda Purvis Ngwarai

Jedda Purvis Kngwarreye, the daughter of the accomplished Utopian artist Greeny Purvis Petyarre and Kathleen Kemarre, comes from a talented artistic lineage. Born in 1969 near Boundary Bore Outstation in the Utopia region of Central Australia, Jedda has three sisters: Jennifer, Judy, and Maureen. Despite the loss of her father in May 2010, Jedda continues to carry forward the artistic legacy.

Jedda embarked on her artistic journey in the late 1980s when she participated in the renowned "Utopia: A Picture Story." This community project introduced silk batiks to the women of Utopia, with Jedda contributing to the collection acquired by the Robert Holmes a Court Collection. Her batik, a vibrant portrayal of a bush scene, weaves together individual stories of men, women, and children sharing hunting and gathering tales at their camps.

As an emerging artist, Jedda focuses on depicting the Dreaming "Kame," passed down to her from her father's side of the family. This Dreamtime story holds immense significance in Utopia and is shared with Emily Kame Kngwarreye, a highly acclaimed Aboriginal artist. "Kame," or Yam, is a crucial plant in the Utopia region, serving as both a vital food source and a traditional healing plant with medicinal properties.

Jedda's artworks, capturing the intricate root system of the yam plant, are held in prestigious collections such as the Holmes a Court Collection and Mbantua Gallery's Permanent Collection. Her paintings are not just a creative pursuit but a cultural activity that brings her immense joy. Through her art, Jedda continues to celebrate and perpetuate the rich Dreamtime stories and cultural heritage of the Utopian people.