Artworks are first available for purchase by sponsors and dignitaries before being available in person at the Exhibition in Brisbane. Unsold artworks can also be purchased online following the event.
"'Bonba' - is connected to my own personal journey, and interpretation on my adopted family Yolgnu country, connecting to my right skin, my Dhuwa miyalk.
This art is depicting a sacred place of the butterflies and portrays a miyalk (Woman) spirit that protects and keeps watch over the sacred lands of Mother earth."
John Smith Gumbula is a multi-award winning artist, recipient of the 'QEII Silver Jubilee Queens Trust Award', Cultural Ambassador and Chief Indigenous Creative.
John is born of the WakkaWakka and GurangGurang Indigenous people of Queensland, adopted son of the Yolngu people of Galiwin'ku - Elcho Island NT, and is of Celtic Irish and Scottish Heritage.
For over three decades, John has been dedicated and passionate in diverse creative spaces, cultural affairs, education, tech and innovation. At the core of his journey, John explores traditional and contemporary Indigenous art mediums.
John was the Lead Aboriginal Artist and Cultural Advisor for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bronze War Memorial, unveiled by the Brisbane Lord Mayor and QLD State Premier in Anzac Square in May 2022.