This NAIDOC Week, Hesse are proud to announce Gerard Black as the successful artist, chosen to commission artwork for the health service. Earlier in the year an expression of interest was released, seeking local First Nations artists to commission an artwork as part of Hesse’s continued reconciliation efforts.
Gerard Black is a proud Worimi Man living on the lands of the Eastern Maar people. Gerard has had a successful career as a tattoo artist and is now focusing on his painting, drawing and digital art. His work reflects his Indigenous background, storytelling and his love of nature and draws on his strong design background from tattooing to produce a unique style of art. This together connects ancient Indigenous art with modern design and medium, bringing them together into the future, creating a new modern style promoting reconciliation and connection.
Gerard’s work establishes a link between landscapes, reality and the spirit within. He uses physical colours, shapes and landmarks as starting points and builds from here to include ancient designs and patterns.
Gerard is an esteemed artist and has worked with Rip Curl, Adobe, the Australian Open, the NRL Newcastle Knights, NSW EPA, National Parks and won the Koorie Heritage Trust Koorie Art Show People’s Choice Award two years in a row.
Every single work that Gerard produces has a story connecting the art to a specific place, area or theme. The artwork Gerard is producing for Hesse revolves around themes such as connection and healing, showcasing the beautiful natural environment on which we operate our health services. We are excited to see the artwork come to life and can’t wait to share more over the coming months.