Jude Jarrett
Artist, Cultural Leader, and Storyteller
I am a proud Gumbaynggirr woman, born and raised in the heart of the Nambucca Valley. My journey as an artist and cultural leader is deeply connected to my roots, the land I come from, and the stories that have been passed down through generations. Art has always been more than just a practice for me; it’s been a way to reconnect with my culture, heal, and share the wisdom of my ancestors.
Growing up, I spent half of my childhood with my non-Indigenous foster family and the other half with my mob. This blend of experiences shaped my perspective and gave me a unique understanding of the intersection between tradition and modern life. For me, creating art is not only about painting—it’s about telling the stories of Country, celebrating our culture, and bridging the gap between the past and the present.
As an artist, I’ve explored various mediums, from traditional dot painting to more contemporary approaches, all the while weaving in my cultural heritage. My work reflects the constant dance between the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. It’s my way of acknowledging and honouring the wisdom of my ancestors, while also embracing the world we live in today.
I’ve had the privilege of sharing my art and cultural practices with many communities and organisations. Some of my most significant achievements include:
- Warriors for the Environment Exhibition (2019): An exhibition that showcased the power of art to speak up for the environment and Indigenous knowledge systems.
- Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative Exhibitions (2019–2021): A platform for showcasing Aboriginal art and connecting with other Aboriginal artists across Australia. I have had the honor of exhibiting at Boomalli multiple times, most recently in the “inVISIBLE” exhibition in 2020.
- NSW Parliament House’s Reconciliation Wall (2021): A powerful exhibition that highlighted the importance of reconciliation and unity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
- NAIDOC Week Exhibitions (2020-2023): I’ve participated in several NAIDOC Week exhibitions across Sydney, creating works that celebrate our culture and encourage reflection on the theme of reconciliation.
- CBRE and Mirvac Murals (2021): I created large-scale murals that combined traditional Aboriginal motifs with contemporary designs, bridging the gap between urban spaces and Aboriginal heritage.
- Commissioned Artwork for the Queen Victoria Building Christmas Tree (2023): A landmark commission that celebrated the beauty and diversity of Aboriginal culture, bringing my art to a wider audience.
- Various Community Workshops (2022-2024): I’ve run numerous workshops across schools, community centres, and corporate spaces, including the Georges River Council School Holiday Art Workshops (2024) and cultural art sessions with groups at AMS Redfern (2023).
Beyond these exhibitions, I have also had the honour of licensing my work for various commercial and educational uses. My art has appeared in children’s books, official presentations, corporate spaces, and on products ranging from flyers to custom-made cakes.
Through my work, I aim to share my culture, my stories, and my connection to Country, empowering others to learn and reflect on the richness of Aboriginal heritage. I’m also passionate about nurturing the next generation of artists and cultural leaders, which is why I continue to run workshops for all ages, encouraging people to connect with their own cultural identities and explore their creative expression.
Each artwork I create is a story—a reflection of my journey, my culture, and my deep love for the land that has shaped me. I hope to inspire others to walk alongside me in this journey, to share in the beauty and wisdom of Aboriginal culture, and to take these stories forward, keeping them alive for generations to come.
– Jude Jarret