A new exhibition at Gallery Pejean explores and contrasts the two very different worlds that one artist is a part of.
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Debra O'Regan was born into a mixed race family and her work explores her life as an Indigenous Australian living within both Aboriginal and white culture, and the racism and bias the Indigenous people have experienced.
In her artist statement she said "many people would describe my paintings as 'aboriginal art', but I personally think that view is too simplistic. While my artwork clearly reflects my Indigenous heritage, it is also influenced by my 'whiter' side".
O'Regan said the exhibition was important to start conversations about recognising the Indigenous people, who they are, and their connection to the land.
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"To me the exhibition is once in a lifetime opportunity. I think its just wonderful that I have been given that opportunity but I think it's also an important message that we are here, and we need to be recognised for who we are," she said.
"No one sees us, if you are not recognised you are not seen."
The artist placed an importance on telling a story and sharing something that has a deeper meaning.
"My art, every single piece I have painted is a story. I think that's why it's so powerful, it's not just a piece of art."
O'Regan is a self taught artist with an innate ability to take what is in her mind and put it on to canvas.
One Land, Two Worlds will run from October 26 - November 28. The exhibition incidentally coincides with NAIDOC week.