PALAWA MAN (2017)

https://taspp.com.au/portfolio/kirsty-flint/ 

Artist Statement:

In this portrait, Kirsty applied an intimate technique to the canvas, working directly with my bare hands. Using Rembrandt soft chalk pastel to create the face and the background. Kirsty subtly incorporated acrylic paint onto the tie. Soft chalk pastel was blended to create the various light and dark shadowed areas. Kirsty incorporated an Aboriginal stylised background, which connects to the sitter, David’s own cultural background. David is a young and proud Aboriginal man, his people being the Tasmanian Palawa People. David was born into a small and isolated community of Flinders Island. David left his family, community and home when he was 15 to seek further education. He was extremely homesick at first, suffering “culture shock” missing his family and local community from which his Aboriginal cultural links were derived. He is now a senior associate commercial lawyer at Worrall Lawyers. He is an inspiration to the Aboriginal community, not only for being a successful lawyer but also for being a talented ultrarunner. David has achieved many accolades and awards for his running, including four national records. The painting aims to demonstrate the continuity and adaptability of Aboriginal culture in the modern world.