Welcome to episode 20 -
We were beyond excited to interview the wonderful artist, Blak Douglas, at his Marrickville studio last week. Blak Douglas was born in Western Sydney to a Dhungatti Aboriginal Father and Caucasian Mother, Blak Douglas was trained in illustration & photography and became self–practiced in painting. Blak Douglas is also a classically trained Yidaki player performing nationally and internationally accompanying the likes of Albert David, Christine Anu, Gondwanna Voices, Paul Jarman, Jessica Mauboy, Jane Rutter, Music Viva and Peter Sculthorpe. He has been a finalist in the Archibald prize three times along with the Mosman art prize, the Wynne prize and won the Kilgour art prize in 2019 and much more!
@blakdouglas was incredibly candid and open about his career, the Archibald prize, his use of materials, the art world, sponsorship by @3m masking tape and @permaplastik paint. He spoke about the political aspects of his work and his upcoming 'Blak Swans' series focusing on his response to the Blak lives matter movement -
‘So the immediate image that sprung to my mind is that of the ultimate metaphor for such an empowering individual… the Blak ballerina. The antithesis of white conservatism and clinical colonialism. A sacrilegious spectacle of uncouth representation. Here we have the beginnings of freedom of race, culture and most importantly – movement & grace. A celebration of EVERYTHING that has been denied to our Grandmothers, Aunties and Mothers. My suite of sweets dance at will across THEIR countries, celebrating THEIR connections and emotions. All the while, mimicking the very art form that has become the conservative constraint that has for some 200yrs silenced her dances upon this continent.’
He is painting Dujuan of @inmyblooditruns for the 2020 Archibald prize. We can’t wait to see that one. We learnt so much from this interview, thanks again Blak Douglas.
Find out more about him at www.blakdouglas.com.au
Happy listening and don't forget to rate, review and share this podcast!