Collection
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art
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Title
Poppy Chicka
2020
Artist
Thea Anamara Perkins
Australia
Language group

About
Thea Perkins’s portrait of her dearly beloved poppy Chicka is intimate; here Uncle Chicka stands during Golden Hour, right before sunset. Uncle Chicka’s gaze is pensive as he looks out at the viewer. His eyes are soft, and the lines of aging around his face reflect the years of service that he has given to the Sydney Aboriginal Community and to cultural organisations like the Gallery.
‘I painted my pop as I wanted to pay homage to him as a prominent and respected Gadigal Elder, known around Redfern as ‘Chicka’. He’s given a lifetime of service to local grassroots organisations, including the Aboriginal Medical Service, Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, and his beloved Redfern All Blacks. He also worked on the railways in Sydney for over 50 years. He has the gentleness that comes with great strength and integrity.
‘I initially painted him in the suit that he wears to give Welcomes to Country, which is very dignified. However, I realised I wanted to show a more private side and opted for a more casual setting. I hope this painting conveys how I feel about my grandfather and how our family is – to quote musician Kev Carmody – “blessed with the gentlest of men”.’ Thea Anamara Perkins 2020
Details
Other Title
Sitter: Charles Madden - Sydney Elder
Date
2020
Materials used
acrylic on clayboard
Dimensions
40.5 x 30.5 x 4.0 cm
Credit
Purchased with funds provided by the Aboriginal Collection Benefactors' Group 2020
Location
Not on display
Accession number
169.2020
Copyright
© Thea Anamara Perkins
Shown in 1 exhibition
Exhibition history
Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes (2020), Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 26 Sep 2020–10 Jan 2021