1979
Language Group:Anmatyerre
Country:Ilkawerne (El-go-an-na), Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas
Subjects:Men's Story, Tyankern (Mulga Berries) Dreaming, Ntang Artety (Mulga Seed) Dreaming, Aremela Rockhole
Anthony Bird was born in 1979 and is an Anmatyerre artist from Ilkawerne in the Utopia region of Central Australia. He is the younger son of Paddy Bird (deceased) and Eileen Bird, and the grandson of renowned Utopia artist Ada Bird Petyarre (deceased).
Anthony's stories are passed down through his ancestors and are connected to his Country around Mulga Bore, where he lives and where Lindsay Bird Mpetyane was the chief custodian. His painting style reflects the influence of his grandfather, father and brothers, continuing the strong artistic traditions of his family.
Working with acrylic on canvas, Anthony paints important stories connected to his Country, including Men's Story, Tyankern (Mulga Berries), Ahakeye (Bush Plum), Ntang Artety (Mulga Seed), and Aremela Rockhole. Through his artwork, he shares the cultural knowledge and stories that have been passed down through generations.
Anthony paints the story of the seed of the Mulga Tree, called Ntang Artety. Ntang means seed in Anthony's language, and Artety is the word for Mulga Tree. This is a very important story for Anthony that belongs to his country, Ilkawerne (El-go-an-na). The mulga seeds are an important plant food throughout Central Australia, usually available to collect for several months of the year.
