The Indigenous Art and Artists you Can’t Go Past on the Central Coast

Our Central Coast region is brimming with talented humans.  From freaking fantastic drone photographers capturing the beauty of the Coast daily to ceramists to epic muralists.  You needn’t look too far and you’ll find the works of these amazing artists.

In celebration of NAIDOC Week this year (3-10 July, 2022) we wanted to showcase some of our finest Indigenous artists here on the lands of the Darkinjung.  We share with you;  a bit about them, where you can see their work first-hand and most importantly how to support them.

 

Grant Molony

Without a doubt, you know Grant’s work.  It’s everywhere from our shopping centres to public schools, hospitals, yoga studios, cafes and everywhere in between.

The celebrated Central Coast-born and bred artist says the natural environment and his family are his biggest inspirations.  So, you’ll find he often collab’s with his brother Russ Molony (as well as his business partner Jason Goulding) to create mural commissions all over the Coast.

Growing up in a surfing community he has a deep love for the sea.  His work often portrays animals or portraits, yet at the same time, he weaves his Indigenous roots into his work with traditional techniques.

Next time you’re out and about keep your eye’s peeled for one of Grant’s epic murals. Visit his online home here.  Or better yet, grab a tote or a tee from his General Admission Print Shop. “A place where art meets function. Always limited and always changing.”

At only 19, emerging First Nations artist Kyle sure is making a name for himself, his artwork has been featured as part of NAIDOC week installations around the Coast in the past and he has won multiple awards.  In his own words, “he will paint anything” and has been known to turn footy boots into works of art.

This year, for NAIDOC week, he is also joining the stellar lineup of fellow Indigenous Artists at the Voices Of The Land art exhibition at The Entrance Gallery.  And, he has been commissioned to paint the mural at the head office of E-Bisglobal in Tuggerah.  You can join in for the unveiling and celebration on Thursday, July 7 at 11:00 to 13:30.  For more info and to RSVP click here.

Follow and buy art from Kyle here:  @_kamilaroiart_

Garry Purchase

The multi-award-winning Garry, is a proud Aboriginal man of Dharawal, Bidjigal and Dhungutti descent. Raised in the Aboriginal community of La Perouse he now resides on the Central Coast and plays a pivotal role in making art accessible to all.  Holding regular workshops and art classes for adults and kids in Kariong you’d never guess that it wasn’t until 2013 that Garry embarked on his path as an artist.

As the story goes it wasn’t until 2013 after he moved to the Coast and on a whim visited the Gosford Regional Gallery where he happened to walk through the Reconciliation Exhibition. According to Garry: “It woke something in me, not only in art but as an Aboriginal man who had drifted away from my roots and I realised I needed to reconnect to my culture and find myself again, not just for me but my kids too.”  He jokes that since then he has never put the paintbrush down.