Statement: Jack Green’s Paintings

‘There are lots of important sacred sites and song-lines throughout our country… When these places are damaged it hurts us. We feel cut open.’

Statement: Jack Green’s Paintings is a new exhibition that amplifies First Nations voices and demonstrates democracy in action. Garrwa man Jack Green, from the Gulf Country in the Northern Territory, uses art to document history and tell stories. In this powerful series of paintings Jack explores the impact of the mining industry on his Country, culture and community.

Jack submitted images of his paintings to the parliamentary inquiry into the destruction of the 46,000-year-old caves at Juukan Gorge in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. For Jack, after years fighting to get access to, protect and care for Country, the submission was another way to make his voice heard.

The inquiry received over 150 submissions, held public hearings and travelled widely, consulting Traditional Owners and industry experts. The final report, released in October 2021, makes eight recommendations that it hopes will address the disparity in power between Indigenous peoples and the mining industry as well as the failings of legislation designed to protect Indigenous heritage.