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1981
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:Ahakeye (Bush Plum) Dreaming, Alpar (Rat-Tail Plant) Story, Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Bush Scene, Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Ahakeye (Bush Plum)
Tanya is the daughter of artists Paddy Bird (dec) and Eileen Bird, and the granddaughter of the late Ada Bird Petyarre, a highly esteemed senior artist from Utopia.
Surrounded by a tradition of painting from an early age, Tanya began her own artistic journey as a teenager. Her grandmother Ada, who passed away in 2009, was a significant influence on her work and Tanya was very close to her. In 2010, Tanya started incorporating black, grey and white designs into her paintings to represent her subjects.
Tanya paints Awelye (Women's Ceremonial and Body Paint Designs) for the Ahakeye. This a very important story for Tanya that belongs to her country, Ilkawerne (El-go-an-na) . The ahakeye, called bush plum in English by Tanya, 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.
Linear designs represent Awelye. These designs are painted onto the chest, breasts, arms and thighs. Powders ground from red and yellow ochre (clays), charcoal and ash are used as body paint and applied with a flat stick with soft padding. The women sing the songs associated with their Awelye as each woman takes her turn to be 'painted-up'. Women perform Awelye ceremonies to demonstrate respect for their country and the total well-being and health of their community.
