Lineal legend

Kevin Gilbert was born at Condobolin, NSW. A writer, artist and activist, his linocuts are the earliest known Aboriginal prints on paper, made while he was in prison in 1965. His prints combine Aboriginal symbols with a western perspective, reflecting his experience in two cultures. "In 1965, mature, I saw art and writing as a way to communicate. My father's studio was my first lino print. Carved with tools I'd made from a spoon, gem blades, nails on a piece of old, brittle lino off the prison floor, I wanted to show the natural pride and completeness of the Aboriginal artist, the cave, the art, the landscape". (Chris McGuigan (ed.), 'New tracks old land, contemporary prints from Aboriginal Australia', Sydney: Aboriginal Arts Management Association, 1992, pg. 30)

Hendrik Kolenberg and Anne Ryan, 'Australian prints from the Gallery's collection', AGNSW, 1998