Despite the rain, over a hundred local and interstate visitors gathered to view the powerful portraits by Sunshine Coast Aboriginal artist Jandamarra Cadd. The award-winning artist has managed to put together a ground-breaking collection of portraits of Indigenous icons and role models including Jessica Mauboy, Christine Anu and Dan Sultan.
Ground Zero Gallery hosted the 3 week exhibition and opening night on Saturday 10th November where two of the portrait subjects were present to view their paintings and be photographed in front of them.
One of these was local man Lyndon Davis who shared that he felt humbled and honoured by the portrait that fellow local and friend Jandamarra painted of him.
Lyndon features alongside movie and music stars as one of the 16 portraits of Cultural Role Models that artist Jandamarra Cadd has included in his Nationally Touring Exhibition, which has been viewed by dignitaries including the Prime Minister.
“As a Sunshine Coast local for many years, I have regularly seen Lyndon performing Welcome to Country, dance and ceremony to show the local community the history and spirit of where they live,” shares Jandamarra. “He plays the Yidaki and shares stories of the ancestors with such respect and authenticity, and I feel embodies the responsibility of passing this on to his children and the community”.
“The Exhibition has been in Melbourne at four galleries and I’m really excited to have the opportunity for my own local community to see this collection of works – my personal favourite collection to date” shared Mr Cadd.
Pictured with his wife in front of his Archibald entry portrait of Professor Mick Dodson, Mr Cadd shared that he was overwhelmed and pleased about the turnout by his local community. “It’s one thing to take your collection to Melbourne, but to share your passion and creativity with your friends, family and community is something quite incredible,” reported Mr Cadd.
The Pomona local is hoping to get as many individuals, school groups and budding local artists along to see his work while it’s here in Queensland.
The “Past.Present.Future” Touring Exhibition will next be visiting Rosebed Gallery in Eudlo, Wondai Regional Gallery and concludes at Gympie Regional Gallery in March 2013.
For any further information visit www.jandamarrasart.com or Jandamarra Cadd’s Art on Facebook.