50 Shades of Deadly

NAIDOC Week 2026

This artwork reflects on the 50 years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements and resilience, celebrating culture, community, and the strength of our people.

At the heart of the piece are five meeting places, each representing a significant connection point for community, learning, ceremony, and gathering. Supporting these meeting places are five journey lines, each representing a decade over the past 50 years. These lines trace movement, growth, and connection across time, honouring the pathways our Elders have guided us along.

The colours chosen - black, blue, purple, and pink - carry deep emotional meaning. Black represents strength, identity, and the resilience of our people. Blue reflects reflection, calm, and connection to waterways and sky. Purple speaks to pride, wisdom, and the knowledge passed down through generations. Pink embodies hope, creativity, and the joy of cultural celebration. Together, these colours create a rhythm of emotion that flows through the artwork, marking both challenges and triumphs.

In creating this piece, I have reflected on the 50 years of achievements, resistance, and progress made by our people, and on the guidance of my Elders, who continue to inspire, teach, and support our cultural and community growth. Each decade line honours those who came before us, those who continue to lead, and the next generations who will carry our culture forward.

This artwork is not just a celebration of 50 years, but a living story of connection, community, and the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - a reminder that every meeting place, every journey, and every generation adds to the legacy of being deadly.