‘Pain in the Art’s begins with an exciting & challenging auditory drawing exercise. Adam explains the origin of the Yidaki (didgeridoo) and the complex playing style of its traditional custodians. The students then ‘translate’ these sounds onto paper, thus creating a quick colourful abstract artwork. Adam then outlines his stance in the world of urban Aboriginal art and what constitutes being an artist today. Finally, the students produce a depiction of their ‘place’ through referencing the familiar styles of the central- western desert Anangu art. Adam explains concepts as revealed to him by his mentors from Papunya and students create their own interpretation of landscape familiar to them.

Suitable for kids 15 years and up.

Image: Blak Douglas (aka Adam Hill) with his Archibald Prize finalist work Smoke and Mirrors (Uncle Max Eulo).

Blak Douglas (aka- Adam Hill) is a multi – skilled Koori artist descending from the Dhungatti peoples
of Kempsey (North Coast NSW). Adam also works as a graphic designer, exhibiting painter, cartoonist and illustrator and MCee. Adam has earned respect as a player of the Yidaki (didgeridoo) and takes pride in the teachings of his cultural mentors: the Yolngu of Nth East Arnhem Land. With a keen sense of humour and a passionate advocacy for social justice, the two combine regularly and are strikingly evident in his visual art and his public performance.

As a visual artist he gained acclaim through Boomali Aboriginal Artists. He has staged numerous solo exhibitions and participated in many group shows both here and abroad. Adam has consistently been a finalist in the likes of the Parliament of NSW Aboriginal Art Prize
and Tesltra Aboriginal Art Award and the Wynne & Archibald Prizes. Adams works are collected by institutions both nationally and internationally including The National Gallery of Australia, Taipai Museum and the Aboriginal Art Museum of Utrecht (Netherlands).

Special thanks to Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council for use of the Old Post Office site.

Unfortunately, due to low numbers this event has been cancelled.