1983
Language Group:Anmatyerre
Country:Ilkawerne (El-go-an-na), Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen
Subjects:Tyankern (Mulga Berries) Dreaming, Ntang Artety (Mulga Seed) Dreaming, Ahakeye (Bush Plum) Dreaming, Aremela Rockhole, Men's Story, Utnea (Carpet Snake) Dreaming, Ahakeye (Bush Plum) and Little Wallaby
Gary is a younger son of Paddy Bird and Eileen Bird, grandson of Ada Bird Petyarre.
Gary's country and stories are passed down from his ancestors. His stories are associated to Mulga Bore country where he lives and where Lindsay Bird Mpetyane is the chief custodian. His style of painting reflects the work of his brothers and father.
Gary paints the story of the Ahakeye (Bush Plum) and Little Wallaby from his country, Ilkawerne (El-go-an-na).
The Ahakeye is a very important story for Gary that belongs to his country, Ilkawerne (El-go-an-na). The ahakeye, called bush plum in English by Gary, is also known as the native currant or citrus. 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.
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