DOB: 1982
BORN: Boundary Bore, Utopia, Northern Territory
LANGUAGE GROUP: Anmatyerre
COMMUNITY: Alhalkere, Utopia, Northern Territory

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Delvine is an acclaimed Aboriginal artist from a family rich in artistic heritage. She grew up in Boundary Bore, an outstation on her traditional homelands, where she attended Aniltji school. Born Patricia Petyarre in 1982 at Utopia Homestead, later changing her name professionally to Delvine, she was the youngest of six children to Michael Kngwarreye and Glory Ngale. Her father, brother of Emily Kame Kngwarrye, passed away when she was just a young girl. Her oldest sister, whose work inspires her the most, is Anna Price Petyarre.

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Delvine’s artistic expression is deeply connected to her cultural roots and the land of her ancestors. Her paintings often depict her country, Alhalkere, through intricate patterns of white dots and fine line-work that reflect the natural features of the landscape, such as dry rivulets, creeks, sandhills, and soakage sites. These elements are often viewed from a topographical perspective, giving her work a unique and immersive quality.

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Her artworks frequently focus on the Pencil Yam and Yam Seed Dreaming stories, which hold profound spiritual significance for the Anmatyerre people. Through her meticulous technique and vivid use of colour, Delvine not only showcases her technical prowess, but also conveys the deep cultural narratives of her heritage.