Essendon Legend and proud Kokatha Mula man, Gavin Wanganeen, officially opened his debut solo art exhibition, ‘Shooting Star’ at the Koorie Heritage Trust last night.
Proudly presented by the Essendon Football Club and in partnership with the Koorie Heritage Trust, Wanganeen produced 12 stunning pieces of art which retell the incredible moment he witnessed a shooting star while camping with his wife, Pippa, on Wardang Island.
More than 150 guests gathered at the Koorie Heritage Trust at Federation Square to witness the amazing transformation of the dual premiership player and Brownlow Medallist into an artist.
“This is the start of a new journey for me, so I’m really excited to exhibit my works,” Wanganeen said,
“I’d like to thank the Essendon Football Club for making the exhibition happen. The way you’ve looked after me, my wife Pippa and our kids has been really special.
“When I paint it brings me back to my culture. To learn about my family through art is very powerful and I really enjoy expressing myself on canvas.”
To purchase your unique piece from Gavin Wanganeen’s ‘Shooting Star’ collection, click here. For further enquiries please contact award@essendonfc.com.au
Gavin Wanganeen and wife, Pippa, at the opening of his debut solo art exhibition, ‘Shooting Star’.
The public opening of Wanganeen’s exhibition also coincides with National Sorry Day.
Since 1998, National Sorry Day commemorates the mistreatment and displacement of Australia’s Indigenous population.
Wanganeen believes through further education and understanding we can achieve reconciliation for all Australians.
“Indigenous people are coming from such a long way back,” Wanganeen said.
“We have come a long way as a country, but we need to keep building on what we have achieved so far to make sure we close the gap for all Indigenous people.”
Essendon CEO, Xavier Campbell, said Wanganeen’s work will inspire the next generation of Indigenous artists.
“It’s an honour to have Gavin return to the Club and help us celebrate the week leading up to Dreamtime at the ‘G, and we’re really proud to support him on his new journey into the world of art,” Campbell said.
“Painting has been such an integral part of storytelling in Indigenous culture, and to see Gavin recount an important moment in his life in such vibrant ways, is truly remarkable.
“Gavin is such a talented man and I have no doubt his paintings will inspire a generation of young artists to share their rich heritage and proud culture on canvas.”
Gavin’s free exhibition is open to the public from Thursday 26 May – Wednesday 1 June at the Koorie Heritage Trust, Federation Square.
For more information, head to koorieheritagetrust.com
