Billy Petyarre

  • Artist (Painter),
  • Artist (Sculptor)
Painter and leading sculptor in carved wood from Utopia. Lives in the Ngkwarlerlaneme community. His work is in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria.

Billy Petyarre began painting later than most of the women did at Utopia – in 1989. He was, however, one of the first to begin carving, and is now one of the leading sculptors of the distinctive human and dog figures produced by Utopia artists. A strong traditional man, Billy Petyarre is also a dedicated artist, painting his first solo exhibition in 1991 for Utopia Arts in Sydney. He is married to Mary Kemarre, who also paints. They live in the Ngkwarlerlaneme community.

Writers:
Johnson, Vivien
Date written:
1994
Last updated:
2011