Design and Art Australia Online

Billy Doolan was born on Palm Island, Queensland and is a painter working with synthetic polymer paint on canvas. He is also a wood carver and makes didgeridoos.

His language group is Bwgcolman. His father was a Wakka Wakka man from central Queensland and his mother Tagalaka from Cape York. The artists totem is the Brolga

A passionate environmentalist, he has stated that “I paint to share with people my dismay and frustration at what destruction and mayhem people infilct on Mother Earth, which also encompasses our waters and oceans and the life within.” He has painted a series of works under the title “Patterns of Life” which reflect his concerns.

In 2009 Billy was invited to travel to Sicily for a month and to paint his impressions of the island. A series of eight paintings was commissioned through his agent and an exhibition launched on 28th October 2010 at the Italian Institute of Culture in Melbourne. The exhibition was supplemented by an additional seven traditional works provided by Three Brothers Gallery Pty Ltd. The exhibition was originally scheduled to close on the 31st December 2010 but has since been extended three times and will now close on 31-12-11.

The artist is the main contributor of works to the Dreamtime Exhibition currently showing at MAN Museum, Nuoro on the Island of Sardinia in Italy. It consists of over 300 artworks and artifacts and opened on the 28th of February 2011. It will close on 28th of August 2011.
He was the guest of honour at he opening and performed a traditional smoking ceremony for the occassion.

Writers:

Allas, Tess Note:

Date written:

2007

Last updated:

2011