In the vibrant fuchsia of Wild Plum (2010), Kathleen Ngale (previously spelt Kngale) shows her interpretation of the Anwekety Dreaming. Anwekety is a small wild plum, otherwise known as the Conkerberry, that grows in Central Australia. Kathleen is influenced by all the natural colours of the fruit, including the shrub’s greenery, white flowers and the intricate variations of the wild plum’s colour as it ripens. The plum changes from green to pink, to orange, red, and finally a dark purple, ready to eat. The pink begins on the tip of the green plum, and gradually blushes over the whole fruit.
Kathleen and her sisters Angeline and Polly are responsible for the ceremonial body painting and dance that ‘sings up’ the song of the Anwekety. Continuing this tradition ensures the plant continues to germinate and produce its valuable food source year on year. Kathleen’s depiction here of the process of ripening is important as it reflects the Anmatyerre’s successful ceremonial upkeep. It also communicates the anticipation of the slow ripening of the shrub’s fruit, until the berries are ripe to eat. These sweet wild plums are high in nutrients and vitamins and are abundant on Delmore Downs and Utopia after summer rains.
