Johnathon World Peace Bush

"Everything that came before makes the present" is the first institutional solo exhibition by Tiwi artist Johnathon World Peace Bush. Bringing together fifteen major works, the exhibition explores Bush’s interest in global politics, family, and cultural heritage through the lens of three key themes, Religion, Colonial Crimes and Indigenous Culture.

Bush’s works are defined by his layering of figurative elements, often sourced from Western art history, religious iconography and images of political figureheads, over cultural mark-marking that reflects Jilamara, Tiwi body paint designs. This unique amalgamation of imagery addresses the impacts of colonialism and the missionaries on Tiwi culture and Bush’s connection to community, and acknowledgement of the diverse cultural influences that shape his life and that of his community.

Exhibition Dates: June 17 - September 10, 2023