Portrait Betty Club Mbitjana Betty was born either circa 1954 or circa 1945 – dates vary – in Utopia, NT, located approximately 200 kms north east of Alice Springs. She was born into one of the most renowned painting families in Australia. Her mother was Minnie Pwerle (dcd 2006), her aunt was Emily Kngwarreye (dcd 1996). Her sister is the acclaimed indigenous artist Barbara Weir. Betty’s aunts,(Minnie’s sisters) Emily, Galy and Molly, began painting with Minnie in 2004. Betty grew up watching the art movement develop in and around Utopia. This exposure to art paved the way for Betty and her sisters to take up painting for themselves. Betty first began painting with the group of artists which were part of the famous Utopia batik project under the guidance of Jenny Green. During this time Betty travelled around Australia with many of the batik artists. Betty is continuing the tradition of her mother Minnie’s dreamings, bringing the colours brilliantly onto the canvas in her unique energetic style, reminiscent of her mother’s. Following the death of her Minnie, Betty has increased in profile by skilfully interpreting her own stories in the distinctive style full of colour and movement so typical of the early Utopian artists. Betty’s works often revolve around ceremonial designs and patterns usually painted on women’s upper bodies before a ceremony is performed. The designs have been passed down for many generations, and only the Pwerle or Kemarre owners have the right to paint them. Betty also includes stylized water sources, bush plums, bush berries and bush melons in her artowrks. Betty has become a renowned artist, admired both domestically and internationally. Her paintings are famous for their vibrant colour and dynamic composition and her unique energetic style has made her works highly collectable. They are increasing rapidly in popularity and have become a valued entity in many private and public collections. Betty is married to the late Kummendja Club and divides her time between her homelands at Utopia and Alice Springs, where she resides. Exhibitions 2007 ”The Christmas 2007 Exhibition”, Central Art Aboriginal Store, Alice Springs 2008 ”Central Australian Aboriginal Art – The Ultimate Collection”, Alice Sundown Aboriginal Art, Alice Springs 2008 ”Black & White: Inspired By Landscape”, Kate Own Gallery, Sydney Copyright 2012-2013 The Aboriginal Art House