![]() | Born: c. 1960 Language Group: Anmatyerre Country: Ahalpere, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Subjects: Ahakeye (Bush Plum), Goanna, Bush Berry, Possum |
Mathew's paintings represent the Dreamtime story of Ahakeye (Bush Plum) which is found in the desert. Mathew is the son of renowned artist, Kathleen Ngale and Motorbike Paddy who also paints the Ahakeye. Mathew's sister, Elizabeth Mpetyane is also a painter. During 2000 Mathew commenced painting for Mbantua Gallery.
Exhibitions
2002 | Mbantua Gallery USA exhibitions: New City Merchants, Knoxville, TN; Art and Soul Gallery, Nashville, TN; 'The Cove Gallery' Portland, OR; Urban Wine Works, Portland, OR; Mary's Woods, Portland, OR |
2003 | Mbantua Gallery USA exhibitions: New City Merchants, Knoxville, TN; Art and Soul Gallery, Nashville, TN; 'The Cove Gallery' Portland, OR; Mary's Woods, Portland, OR |
Matthew paints the story of the Ahakeye. This is a very important story for Matthew that belongs to his country. This story, its songs, dances and symbols have been passed down to Matthew from his father. The ahakeye, called bush plum in English by Matthew, is also known as the native currant or citrus. It belongs to the canthium attenuatum shrub which grows about 3m high. This shrub produces small white flowers, deep green citrus-like leaves and the ahakeye which are black when ripe and very small. This fruit is favoured for its sweet taste and can be reconstituted in water if dry. Dot work represents the ahakeye.