CCDP OG

CCDP OG 
2025
acrylic on canvas
60.9 x 91.4cm

For my Archibald piece, I decided to ask someone who I have immense respect for and am influenced by; Kane Brunjes. Kane is the inaugural inductee of Birrunga Gallery’s ‘Cultural Creative Development Program’. I am currently participating in this program and through the gallery I have been lucky enough to work with Kane and another CCDP participant on a mural. As this was both mine and the other persons first time working on a large scale, Kane was majorly supportive and guided us through it, while sharing his valuable knowledge on murals as well as his processes and techniques. 

Kane is a proud Gunggari and Kabi Kabi man, whose works reflect his connection to his heritage, identity, nature, humanity, history and storytelling. When sitting down with Kane for a coffee and a yarn, he was so open and willing to answer all the questions I had for him. It came apparent to me that his life is heavily surrounded and dedicated to his culture; through the sharing of stories and knowledge through his art, to being a ranger on his country, where he cares and helps to look after the land. Not to forget, he is a mentor thorough Birrunga Gallery, where he shares his knowledge and helps guide participants through the CCDP. 

I have painted Kane with his bucket hat on, which is how he was when I first met him. He is painted in front of a design which he uses in his own art, showing his connection to the bunya and hoop pine’s which can be seen on Kabi Kabi country. I have used the black, yellow and red to represent his culture.