Dean Biŋkin Tyson's Painted Up exhibition redefines Aboriginal art through ritual and resistance
Dean Biŋkin Tyson's exhibition, CREATE EXCHANGE: Painted Up, at Redland Art Gallery, confronts colonial views of Aboriginal art through cultural heritage. As a Quandamooka and Gurang man, Tyson draws upon his background as a dancer, songman, and bidiyamundu player in his artwork. The phrase 'Painted Up' signifies ritualistic body painting that expresses identity and kinship. Through minimalist and abstract styles, cultural narratives are shared, featuring motifs such as dolphins that symbolize ancestral connections. Traditional ochre hues merge with modern colors that reflect Saltwater Country. This exhibition, part of the CREATE EXCHANGE initiative, is open from 7 April to 9 June 2026, and will also be displayed at The Mezz from 23 March to 29 May 2026. An Artist in Conversation event is scheduled for 31 May 2026.
Key facts
- Exhibition CREATE EXCHANGE: Painted Up by Dean Biŋkin Tyson runs 7 April–9 June 2026 at Redland Art Gallery
- Tyson is a Quandamooka and Gurang man living and working on traditional lands in Southeast Queensland
- Materials include canvas, animal skins, and collaborations with community practitioners
- The term 'Painted Up' refers to ritual body painting with markings denoting identity and kinship
- Exhibition features shadow boxes, a contemporary Aboriginal art form from 1970s mission contexts
- Part of Redland Art Gallery's three-year CREATE EXCHANGE program fostering cultural exchange
- Supported by Haymans Electrical and Data Suppliers, QAGOMA, and Redland Art Gallery | Redland City Council
- Artist in Conversation event scheduled for 10am, Saturday 31 May 2026
Entities
Artists
- Dean Biŋkin Tyson
Institutions
- Redland Art Gallery
- Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)
- Redland City Council
- Haymans Electrical and Data Suppliers
- Redland Performing Arts Centre
- ArtsHub
- ScreenHub
- Time Out
- Limelight
- Urban List
- Sydney Opera House
- Australian War Memorial
- ACMI
- Sydney Film Festival
Locations
- Southeast Queensland
- Queensland
- Cleveland
- Redlands
- Alice Springs
- Western Sydney
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Ukraine