For proud Jiman man Duane, art has never existed as just a way of creating; it’s been a bridge to healing and a medium for expressing connections with family, culture, country and community.
Growing up in Rockhampton/Darumbal, Duane’s relationship with art began in his early twenties. Over the years, Duane’s art practice has mirrored and been a constant companion on his personal journey – one of growth, healing and transformation.
Starting off studying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and craft at TAFE, Duane went on to follow a facilitation and teaching path – sharing his talents across varied environments from preschool to universities.
“I did a lot of work around home (Rockhampton) and even out in the bush country, including the Kimberley and South Australia, before ending up in Brisbane in 2018,” said Duane.
In Brisbane, Duane’s art practice was reignited when his daughter assisted him to connect with the West End Art Gang as part of West End Community House.
“I owe a lot to my Art Gang family – my art mum Sue, and some of the volunteer workers who I can connect with and provide me with insights into different ways of thinking. I’m glad I’ve got people around me who have that wisdom – we talk art and we talk healing.”
Having once turned to alcohol as a way of coping with pain, Duane now leans on art and human connections to achieve balance in his life. He appreciates guidance from his Elders and adopted Elders in the non-Aboriginal world to guide him.
“I like to put those Elders before me because they guide me away from the path I used to live, and teach me how to deal with ‘the battle of living’. Being part of the Art Gang also keeps me on the right path – I want to paint like an Art Gang artist and be part of the Art Gang family,” said Duane.
Duane uses affirmations and breath work to ground him, while gathering tools through his interactions with Elders such as Dr Judith Atkinson (OAM) and others to process his intergenerational trauma in a safe way.
“I learned that I had the tools within me, but had to learn about what they can or can’t do for me in my healing journey.”
He has been actively involved in reconciliation for years, beginning with his involvement in the Central Highlands Reconciliation Group in Rockhampton. There, Duane worked to help bridge gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, creating space for shared understanding and respect.
Duane Doyle, Corroboree (Gathering of People), 2024 Recovered Futures Art Exhibition.
“My Elders, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, taught me the importance of building relationships with those who walk a different path but share the same land. It’s not just about healing from the past; it’s about building something positive for the future.”
Duane’s current art practice is an exciting and sometimes nerve-wrecking departure from the Aboriginal dot work and colour palette he is familiar with. Over the past few months; he has embraced a new, abstract fantasy landscape style, inspired by fellow Art Gang members and inspiration from the world outside.
“Art Gang members like Robbie have been teaching me abstract skills and Aunty Frankie teaches me about layering. It’s wonderful to have people who believe in you and your work; the Art Gang artists and others in that community have taught me there is no limit to what we can paint.”
Looking ahead, Duane is working toward a solo exhibition at Side Gallery in Red Hill and continuing to explore new colour palettes and ways of working alongside his Art Gang community.
Duane exhibited two works at the 2024 Recovered Futures Art Exhibition – Corroboree (People Gathering) and Corrobboree (Gathering of the People).
Duane Doyle is a proud Jiman (Yimen) artist. His mob are custodians of the First Nations Country around Carnarvon Gorge, Queensland, Australia.
You can view Duane’s work on Redbubble and he is often featured on the Art Gang Instagram page.