Utnea (Carpet Snake) Dreaming

Anthony Bird

1979

Anmatyerre

Ilkawerne (El-go-an-na), Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Acrylic on Canvas

Men's Story, Tyankern (Mulga Berries) Dreaming, Ntang Artety (Mulga Seed) Dreaming, Aremela Rockhole, Utnea (Carpet Snake) Dreaming

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.