Cindy Mpetyan Dixon: Arnwekety

This body of work comprises of ten paintings, ranging from 102 × 76 cm to 102 × 152 cm. Each work shares Cindy Mpetyan Dixon’s story of Arnwekety (Bush Plum) from her Country, Arlparra, a story also painted across her family, including Elizabeth Mbitjana, Angelina Ngal Pula and the late Kumanjayi Paddy. The Bush Plum is an important bush food in the Utopia region, it’s a small, sweet fruit that moves through many colour stages. Growing after the hot time, once the rain has finished, and is best eaten when it ripens to a deep purple, almost black colour. Arnwekety story belongs to Arlparra Country.

Continuing to paint Arnwekety keeps knowledge strong across generations. It is also a way of asserting identity—showing connection to Arlparra Country. Sharing this story through painting keeps culture active and visible, while passing knowledge on to younger people and wider audiences.