Lindsay Bird Mpetyane

Artist: Lindsay Bird
Skin name: Mpetyane (also spelled Mbitjana) 
Language group: Anmatyerre
Country: Ilkawerne
Area: Utopia Region, Central Australia
Born: c. 1942

Lindsay Bird Mpetyane was an important elder of his country, Ilkawerne, in the Utopia region before he past his lore and leadership onto his chosen successor due to an incapacity to lead to his full abilities as he grew older. Married to Mavis Petyarre, they have three daughters; Rosie, Jessie and Karen Bird Ngale.

During his leadership, Lindsay acknowledged the dim possibility of his people eventually losing their interest in their rich culture and history, and painting is a sincere desire to continue his legacy of teachings and encourage the growth and interest of the Ilkawerne generations.

Lindsay was the only male artist involved in the Utopia batik movement during the 1980's and he started painting soon after with many of the women, including Gloria Petyarre and Ada Bird Petyarre, and a handful of men including Louie Pwerle. 

His paintings are symbolic and connected to his Dreamtime. He uses the traditional symbols to tell his stories on canvas, including concentric circles which represent the significant place of the story (for example the Bush Plum tree) or a sacred part of the men’s story. Lindsay also uses his four traditional colours; yellow ochre, red ochre, black and white, with each having its own specific meaning.