February 4, 2013
Sunshine Coast portrait artist Jandamarra Cadd’s grandmother has had an enormous influence on his life … and that’s why her image is included in a collection of influential and powerful Aboriginal leaders that form this month’s featured exhibition at the Wondai Art Gallery.
The Yorta Yorta woman from Victoria’s Cumeragunga Mission was beaten, raped and in Jandamarra’s words “experienced the worst of what humanity could put a people through”, but she emerged from the experience strong and proud and instilled in her children “a sense of oneness and love”.
His gran passed away in 2009 but her legacy lives on in her grandson’s artwork.
“She instilled in all of us that we all walk together as one mob,” Jandamarra told the opening night crowd at his exhibition on Friday night.
Jandamarra said the Wondai Art Gallery’s request to host the exhibition was the first time a gallery had approached him – rather than him approaching a gallery – to show his work, and he was deeply touched.
He confessed that some galleries he’d approached had told him that they didn’t think there would be an audience for portraits of indigenous leaders.
But as his exhibition toured south-east Queensland, he said, some of those galleries were changing their minds as word of audience reaction to the artworks spread.
The large, bright canvasses dominated the Alison Iszlaub Gallery, obviously stunning the opening night crowd.
But also stunning was Jandamarra’s admission that it had taken him just 10 months to create the 16 works.
The exhibition was officially opened by Aunty Sandra Morgan, from The Ration Shed at Cherbourg.
Popular local band Muddy Flats – Bevan Costello, Rory Boney and Robert “Rocko” Langton – entertained the crowd.
Bevan also performed a moving “Welcome to Country” ceremony to honour past and present Elders.
Jandamarra’s “Past.Present.Future” exhibition will be on show at the Wondai Gallery daily throughout February.
- Related article: Portrait Exhibition Kick-Starts New Year
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