Arone Meeks • Mabo 25 & Big Wet Community 2018

This artwork reflects for me concerns about the global migration of many cultures and Peoples, and their treatment by Governments. Hence why I have included a boat in this painting, and two panels representing the two sides to every story. The last couple of years have also been remarkable in that they included the 25th Anniversary of the Mabo decision, and the 30th year of survival of the Boomalli Artist Co-operative. All of this time may seem a long time ago. But these achievements are still very much relevant to what we as Indigenous artists and Mob are still living through today. We are still fighting for Country and a better future for our children. What I would like people to consider from my artwork is the nature of where we are at – humanity, our loss of innocence, and how do we move forward from here.

····· From his home in Cairns, Arone Meeks now creates works of art that speak to us of cross cultural interaction, relationships, gender, traditional and modern spirituality and his environment. Meeks, of the tribal group Ku Ku Imidiji, grew up in Laura, and has made extensive accomplishments achieved in study, residencies, commissions, community arts, and public art attribute to an outstanding career to date, reflecting his seemingly endless passion and determination for studio practice and teaching. His works are testament not only to his skills and talents as a painter, sculptor, and printmaker, but also to his wonderful sense for colour and design that allows his work to shine. Presently, he works part time in Indigenous Sexual Health and in remote communities, delivering Cert 3-4 in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Art Identity and culture. Meeks is represented in many public and private collections nationally and internationally, including Artbank, Art Gallery of Ontario, Canada, AGNSW, Art Gallery of South Australia, Art Gallery of Western Australia, National Gallery of Australia, Biblioteque Nationale (Paris), The Bromberg Collection (Cincinnati), Cairns Art Gallery, City Gallery (Christchurch), GOMA, Massachusetts College of Art (Boston), National Gallery of Japan and University of Queensland.