1999
Language Group:Eastern Anmatyerre
Country:Ilkawerne (El-go-an-na), Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas
Subjects:Tyankern (Mulga Berries) Dreaming, Ahakeye (Bush Plum) Dreaming, Ntang Artety (Mulga Seed) Dreaming, Utnea (Carpet Snake) Dreaming, Tyankern (Mulga Berries) and Utnea (Carpet Snake) Dreaming, Utnea (Carpet Snake) and Ntang Artety (Mulga Seed) Dreamin
Keenan is a son of artists Kevin Bird and Marie Ryder who have four children together. Keenan began painting for Mbantua Gallery in 2014 when he was fifteen. When he received his first canvases from Mbantua, he was very excited. He said 'I like painting, I would like to do more!'
Keenan's country and stories are passed down from his father's ancestors. His stories are associated with his country, Ilkawerne and Mulga Bore region.
Keenan paints the story of the Tyankern, a sweet edible berry that belongs to a type of mistletoe found growing on the mulga tree. This is a very important story for Keenan that belongs to his country, Ilkawerne (El-go-an-na) . This story, its songs, dances and symbols have been passed down to Keenan.
