World Peace, 2019, Johnathan Bush
Natural ochres and charcoal on canvas 150cm x 120cm
Provenance: Tiwi Art at the Darwin Art Fair, Darwin.
Artist Statement
'I grew up here in Milikapiti and have lived between here and Borroloola, up and down. My Father is from Borroloola. I was working there at the cattle station as a stockman, my Aunties station, herding horses and cattle.
My Uncles held the Western law and Aboriginal law. When they passed away I inherited it. Some is secret.I hold the Western and Aboriginal law in my hands for all mankind to be equal. I hope my artwork gives a glimpse into my strong beliefs of a want for world peace and equality for all mankind.
They call me ‘world peace’, as I have to balance both laws. I want peace in this world, I want the children to have food and water and all that. For Tiwi people, I want culture to be strong.
For my future, there is more painting to come, more ideas.
I paint with dripping, using black charcoal, white, red and yellow ochres down the canvas. It’s my own style, my own idea.' (1)