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 Bird Mpetyane was born in 1983 and is an Anmatyerre artist from Ilkawerne Country. He is the younger son of the late Paddy Bird and Eileen Bird, and the grandson of renowned Utopia artist Ada Bird Petyarre (deceased).
Gary's paintings share stories passed down through his ancestors and are connected to Mulga Bore Country, where he lives and where Lindsay Bird Mpetyane is the chief custodian. His artworks reflect the strong family connections and cultural knowledge that continue through generations.
Working in acrylic on canvas and linen, Gary paints men's stories including Tyankern (Mulga Berries), Ntang Artety (Mulga Seed), Ahakeye (Bush Plum) and Aremela Rockhole. His painting style reflects the influence of his father and brothers, continuing the artistic traditions of the Bird family.
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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