Collection: Esther Haywood Petyarre

Esther Haywood represents the emerging cohort of Utopian artists, inheriting a rich artistic lineage as the granddaughter of the esteemed Gloria Petyarre. Hailing from the Alyawarre language group and connected to the Atnangkere country in the Utopia region, approximately 230 kilometers northeast of Alice Springs, she embodies a deep cultural heritage.

Growing up amidst a community of artists, Esther absorbed the tradition of portraying ancient dreaming stories in a contemporary light. Guided by her grandmother, she learned the songs, dances, and body paint designs that narrate the tales of her Atnangkere homeland. Surrounded by influential figures like her late aunties Ada Bird Petyarre and Kathleen Petyarre, as well as her cousin Gracie Pwerle Morton, Esther witnessed the artistic legacy of Utopia firsthand, particularly during the vibrant Batik movement of the 1980s.

Continuing her grandmother's legacy, Esther specializes in painting the distinctive bush medicine leaf motif, characterized by intricate detail and vibrant hues. These leaves, sourced from the Kurrajong tree, hold significant healing properties in traditional Indigenous medicine practiced by Utopian women. Through her art, Esther honors the spirit of these medicinal leaves, ensuring their preservation and acknowledging their vital role in her community's well-being.