Collection: Lindsay Bird Mpetyane

Lindsay Bird Mpetyane was born circa 1935 at Mulga Bore near Utopia in Central Australia. He is a respected elder and tribal leader of the Anmatyerre tribe and worked as a shepherd and stockman for many years.

Lindsay was introduced to batik painting in the late 1970s he was the only male to participate in the silk batik project. He began painting with acrylic on canvas in the late 1980’s. As a senior Law man, he can depict many themes of men’s law in his paintings. His paintings are often large, and are imposing with their boldness of colour selection and harmonious design.

Lindsay’s Dreamings include ‘Çharpa’ (honey ant), Bush Plum, Men’s Ceremony, Yam Dreaming and Snake Dreaming. Lindsay often depicts the sacred ceremonial sites where 'Men’s Business' is conducted in a circular style surrounded by hunting weapons, which are the spirits keeping the area safe. Their simple design but strong meaning reflect Lindsay’s respect for the ceremonies conducted at these sites.

Lindsay Bird Mpetyane lives a traditional lifestyle with his wife Mavis and three daughters, maintaining strong links with their land values and ceremony. He is the cousin to Greeny Petyarre (dec) and the brother-in-law to Ada Bird (dec).