Artist Megan Adams’ most recent subject, Gawurra, literally burst into tears during his performance, after seeing his family for the first time in many years. Megan was inspired by his performance at the Darwin Festival and arranged to meet Gawurra after the show to complete a sketch of him for The Archibald Prize.
“I really wanted to paint Gawurra because his songs take my breath away; and he’s such a wonderful role model to aboriginal children showcasing that you really can do anything you put your mind to.”
Megan’s portrait incorporates half of Gawurra’s face in front of a sunset over the ocean of Milingimbi Island where Gawurra was born. Representing the two cultures that Gawurra walks in, reminiscing his homeland while living in Melbourne pursing his music career. Gawurra’s face is painted in different colours, highlighting the concept of judging a person on the content of their character, rather than the colour of their skin.
Megan has recently moved back to Newcastle, from Darwin and teaches art. Megan has painted Adam Goodes and Wayne Bennett for the Archibald but didn’t faced as many challenges as she did with the Gawurra portrait. Megan’s first attempt failed, she under ordered paints from Texas, it was meant to be a 6 month project that turned into 2 years. Still she recommends anyone striving towards their dream, to remain resilient and keep going as the end result is incredibly rewarding. We chat to her about her art and love for Australia…
What it is about art that you love?
There are so many things that I love about art, of course it can brighten up your day when you step into the house, taking you far away from the troubles of work and social politics. However, art can also bring to light topics that need to be discussed and reveal layers of a person provoking thought and emotion from the viewer. Overall creating a deeper connection to individuals and the world around us.
Where did your passion for art, and the wider industry, come from?
My passion for art, like most artists, is something I was born with. My earliest memories involve me holding a pencil in my hand and drawing all day. I suffered from asthma as a child and found myself in hospital a lot, so that give me a lot of time to work on my technique. There is nothing better than going to a gallery and looking at art especially the Archibald in Sydney, it overwhelms the senses with enriching your cultural connection to the now and the past. Looking, talking and making art fulfils your life in so many ways for example you might have deeper conversations making new friendships or looking at colour around you in a more complex way.
You’ve painted a portrait of Gawurra for the 2020 Archibald Prize. Tell us a little about it.
I’ve painted a portrait of Gawurra (aboriginal singer) for the Archibald Prize with the end result unlike anything I’ve done before. Inspired by his performance at the Darwin Festival where he cried on stage from seeing his family for the first time in years, as Gawurra lives in Melbourne pursing his music career. I’ve incorporated half of Gawurra’s face over the ocean of Milingimbi Island to represent him thinking of family, home and culture while living in Melbourne. His face is painted in blues and greens highlighting the topic of judging a person on the content of their character instead of the colour of their skin. I was so heavily impacted by his soulful performance; it took my work in a completely different direction. I just had to incorporate his emotional performance and I’m really happy with how it turned out, and so is Gawurra, thank goodness. 50% of people can’t see Gawurra’s face in the portrait so there is a 5 min video to help see and understand the work in more detail on www.meganadamsfineart.com.
I honestly believe with the soon release of Gawurra’s second album he will be a household name all over Australia, as is breathtaking to listen to.
You’re donating funds from the painting to the GO Foundation. Tell us what the foundation does.
Once the portrait of Gawurra is sold for $10,000, 10% of funds will go towards the GO Foundation. Founded by Adam Goodes, The GO Foundation is a national scholarship program supporting disadvantaged aboriginal children to attend school. The Australian Beuro of Statistics show that the employment rate for Indigenous graduates from a bachelor degree or above was 84%, compared to a 45% employment rate for Indigenous graduates who have completed Year 10. While working at Haileybury Rendall School in Darwin, seeing firsthand an aboriginal student graduate and become a nurse, is a wonderful outcome.
What advice do you have for someone trying to make a go of it with their art?
The biggest advice I can give someone trying to make a go of it with their art is firstly don’t be afraid, let go of any anxiety, join the local art society and make friends, have some fun and really back yourself. The secret is to make art that you really love and then you have already one.
Where are your favourite places in Australia to travel to, eat at and enjoy?
Have you been on my Facebook page? I am such a foodie and I love going to PM’s in Darwin to eat their Saganaki with honey, sesame & lemon. Then as a main the Wagyu rump with spinach, cauliflower puree and jus. Yummm….. you just can’t beat it.
I also love driving to Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley and trying their seasonal menu that incorporates vegetables and herbs from their garden ensuring everything is supper fresh and delicious!
What does being Australian mean to you?
Being Australian means to me a sense of pride you have for your country and everyone in it.
The Archibald finalists are announced on the 30th of April with the final prize winner announced on 8th of May. For more information, to view Megan’s other works and to purchase this portrait of Gawurra please visit www.meganadamsfineart.com.
