Akwerlperlp: Cindy Mpetyan Dixon 30 May - 20 June 2026

This body of work comprises of ten paintings, Each work shares Cindy’s story of Arnwekety (Bush Plum) from her Country, Arlparra, a story also painted across her family, including Elizabeth Mbitjana, Angelina Ngal Pula and the late Kumanjayi Paddy. The Bush Plum is an important bush food in the Utopia region, it’s a small, sweet fruit that moves through many colour stages. Growing after the hot time, once the rain has finished, and is best eaten when it ripens to a deep purple, almost black colour. Arnwekety story belongs to Arlparra Country. Continuing to paint Arnwekety keeps knowledge strong across generations. It is also a way of asserting identity— showing connection to Arlparra Country. Sharing this story through painting keeps culture active and visible, while passing knowledge on to younger people and wider audiences.

“That’s our dreaming, only bush plum. Amern Arnwekety. Sweet ones. Kwaty coming and they’re growing. They start off green then cooked ones go black. You can fill them up in a billy can and eat them. Those seeds move all around the place. Anywhere in Utopia.”

Exhibition Catalogue (PDF)