Dr David Hudson, Member for Cook David Kempton and Willie Gordon catch up at the opening of Ancestral Lines: Art Beyond Boundaries at Nature’s Powerhouse in Cooktown on 22 February. Photo: Supplied.
Artist, musician and cultural ambassador Dr David Hudson demonstrated his unique ability to transcend cultural and generational divides when he launched his new exhibition at Nature’s Powerhouse in Cooktown on 22 February.
The exhibition, Ancestral Lines: Art Beyond Boundaries, uses repurposed fence posts as an unconventional canvas as they are transformed into powerful storytelling mediums.
“To showcase the exhibition is great, and I’m very happy it’s in Guugu Yimithirr Country,” the proud Ewamian and Western Yalanji artist said.
“I’m related to a lot of people up there and it’s all about inspiring the next generations, and I’m happy it’s in Cooktown.
“It’s a great showcase, and I’m very pleased with the gallery up there.”
Through interactive and immersive elements, visitors to the exhibition will be encouraged to engage with the artwork on a deeper level to break down perceived barriers and foster meaningful connections.
“The posts are 100-yard posts,” Dr Hudson explained.
“They have been given a new life standing straight and tall as soldiers, and my people could’ve worked with those posts back in the day.
“To add my artwork, horsewhip, hair, and stirrup is an acknowledgment to my mob, and to all stockmen, because they are the backbone of this country of ours.
“Others may have seen the posts as old derelict, but to me, they are standing proud and tall warriors again.
“I would like to acknowledge that the exhibition came about as an invitation from the Cooktown [Regional Arts Services Network] representative Waratah Nicholls and Cook Shire event staff.”
Member for Cook David Kempton was at the opening of his friend’s exhibition and urged art lovers to see it at Nature’s Powerhouse.
“I have known Dr Hudson for many years, and his work is phenomenal at bringing cultures together,” Mr Kempton said.
“To see his artwork displayed in a building I worked hard to have established to protect and exhibit artworks that depict Cooktown’s natural environment is such a great success for the community.”
Dr Hudon’s latest work combines repurposed fence posts with artwork, horsewhip, hair, and stirrups as an acknowledgment to Indigenous and non-Indigenous stockmen across the country. Photo: Supplied.
