About the Artist
Josh Deane is an emerging Indigenous (Palawa) artist and designer he grew up on the ancestral lands of the Kabi Kabi people on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, and for the past eleven years, he has called Naarm/Melbourne home. His contemporary art is deeply rooted in his personal experiences, ancestors, and cultural heritage. Inspired by Australia's diverse biodiversity, Josh's artwork showcases the intricate beauty and significance of native animals and botanicals. Through various mediums such as photography, film, audio, hand-painted artworks, sculpture, and clothing, he creates immersive and multi-sensory experiences for viewers.

Josh's artistic journey has been shaped by his own struggles as a survivor of family violence and intergenerational traumas. He channels these experiences into his art, creating a sanctuary and refuge for himself and others. His openness and role modelling empower others to recognise their own potential for change and transformation.

About the Artwork
In 2020, prior to the implementation of lockdown measures, I had aspirations of establishing a clothing brand. I organised my inaugural solo runway event, featuring 8 models showcasing hand-painted upcycled designs, Nelson Baker being one of the Models. However, the onset of the lockdown significantly impacted life in Melbourne, leading to a temporary standstill. Determined not to let the lockdown stifle my creativity, I dedicated the time to painting, envisioning hosting an independent painting exhibition post-lockdown. Subsequently, I successfully realised this ambition by presenting my debut solo art exhibition at the Blak Dot Gallery.

This particular artwork holds great significance for me, as both Nelson Baker and I have since redirected our focus and objectives since 2020. Presently, I concentrate more on painting, while Nelson Baker, a proud Nyikina man, has transitioned into a professional actor, model, and poet. He has showcased his talents at various venues, festivals, and intercultural gatherings throughout Australia. Motivated by the lockdown experiences, he reshaped his life path, now actively participating in television shows. These shifts stand as a testament to our resilience as indigenous people, showcasing our ability to adapt and persist in forging our own unique journeys in the world.