OUR ARTISTS
BRENTON BOWEN
Introducing our talented artist, Brenton Bowen. Brenton is a proud Guugu Yimithirr speaking man from Hope Vale, a small Aboriginal Community in Far North Queensland. Brenton has grown a deep passion for Indigenous Art, describing his painting as the connecting source to his motherland and community. The skills he has acquired grew from watching the elders of Hope Vale paint, and some of his most cherished memories from his childhood are hunting and fishing with family and friends.
Brenton’s 2024 Naidoc Design, focuses on resilience and the ongoing legacy of Indigenous cultures, highlighting the enduring traditions of traditional hunting practices and the use of ancient tools like spears and woomeras. I emphasise the metaphorical significance of “keeping the fire burning” as a symbol of perseverance and connection to the land. Incorporating vibrant colours and dynamic imagery can further amplify the message of strength and pride in Indigenous heritage.
ZOEY HART
Zoey Hart, an Aboriginal artist born in Bundjalung Nation in northern New South Wales, has been passionately exploring the world of painting for over a decade. While art began as a cherished hobby—often shared as gifts for family and friends—it has since evolved into a powerful expression of cultural connection and storytelling.
From an early age, Zoey was captivated by Aboriginal art, frequently drawing turtles and goannas and embellishing them with intricate dot patterns using textas. This innate creativity blossomed into a deep appreciation for the stories and meanings that art can convey.
For Zoey, painting is more than a creative outlet—it is a source of peace and a way to connect with and celebrate culture. Family plays a central role in Zoey’s work, with many pieces incorporating clients’ handprints to add a personal and meaningful touch. This focus on family reflects Zoey’s commitment to community and the enduring bonds that art can represent.
Looking to the future, Zoey’s goal as an Aboriginal artist is to pass down the knowledge and traditions of their culture, teaching their children to paint and ensuring that these rich cultural practices continue to thrive. Through their work, Zoey hopes to inspire others to embrace and celebrate the stories, history, and beauty of Aboriginal art.
BRAD HORE
Brad Hore is a two-time Olympic and Commonwealth Games Boxer and the 23rd Indigenous Olympian turned Aboriginal artist.
As an Aboriginal Dunghutti man, growing up in Sydney and the Sunshine Coast, he was always fighting something; an opponent, for Aboriginal rights and even himself.
The loss of his father and COVID-19 hit one after the next and threw him into the depths of grief and mental illness. Finding ways to cope, Brad came home with some paint and a canvas and started telling his story. In one short year his progression lead to a passion that so many wanted to share with him and he started creating specialised, commissioned pieces.
These stories told with traditional Aboriginal symbols and methods speak of connection to family, community, land and self each individualised and told in ways of his ancestors.