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Home flown is an exhibition featuring tailored paintings by Blak Douglas, created with Permacrilyk™ paints on laser-cut MDF board and measuring 90cm each.
The pieces respond to the ongoing debate surrounding perceptions of ‘Aboriginal Art,’ confronting the default expectation for works to be “identifiably Aboriginal.” The artist draws inspiration from the struggles of contemporary First Nations practitioners, especially those working in urban and multi-disciplinary contexts, who challenge traditional templates and strive for authentic self-expression.
The exhibition traces Douglas’s journey, including pivotal experiences with renowned Papunya Tula painters, the grandfathers of dot painting, and observations of artistic norms within his community. It highlights the persistence of conventional styles and the challenges faced by artists breaking away from them. The suite also references iconic figures such as Uncle Laddy Timbery, a master boomerang craftsman, and the cultural significance of boomerangs in Aboriginal art. By omitting the boomerang motif in each roundel, Douglas introduces a thought-provoking void, inviting viewers to question contemporary art practices and interpretations.
Each piece incorporates the retro ‘Australian Made’ certified logo, which features the returning boomerang, offering a playful critique of the appropriation of Aboriginal iconography. The combination of identifiable designs and cultural symbols positions these works as authentic, locally produced art, while simultaneously challenging conventional expectations and inviting dialogue about identity and urbanity in Aboriginal art.
This exhibition is being hosted at NSW Parliament by the Hon Ben Franklin MLC.
How to see the exhibition
Visit the free exhibition at NSW Parliament House on weekdays, 9am to 5pm from 5 May - 25 June 2026. Access is to the left of the building via the security gatehouse.
