Alvira Bird Mpetyane

Alvira Bird Mpetyane was born in 1984 and is an Anmatyerre artist from Ilkawerne in the Utopia region of Central Australia. She is the daughter of artists Paddy Bird (deceased) and Eileen Bird, and the granddaughter of respected senior artist Ada Bird Petyarre (deceased).

Growing up surrounded by a strong artistic family, Alvira has been influenced by the painting styles and cultural knowledge passed down through generations. As a young artist, she continues to develop her own style while honouring the traditions of her family.

Working with acrylic on canvas and linen, Alvira paints Awelye (Women's Ceremony and Body Paint Designs) connected to important stories including Ahakeye (Bush Plum), Alpar (Rat-tail Plant) and Ntang Artety (Mulga Seed). Her artworks are characterised by a refined use of black, white and yellow ochre tones on grey backgrounds, creating a distinctive interpretation of these women's stories.

Alvira lives in Alice Springs and Mulga Bore with her husband and children, continuing to share the stories of her Country and family traditions through her artwork.