Spirit of the Ancestors
Duncan Smith
Belconnen Gallery 7th to 17th June 2005
Duncan Smith is a Wiradjuri man, winner of the 2003 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Artist of the Year Award. He paints from the inside rather than what he sees outside, paying tribute to the voice of his ancestor spirits. Hence the title of his exhibition of paintings at the Belconnen Gallery from the 7th to 17th June, Spirit of the Ancestors. He was born in Wellington, a great nephew of Alex Riley, well known in the Wiradjuri Country of Dubbo as Tracker Riley, the first Aboriginal sergeant in the NSW Police force. Duncan has lived in Queanbeyan and the ACT for the past 20 years. He started painting with his mother, and from there he extended to performing with the help of his family. Duncan has a great connection to his culture though visual and performing arts. Through these media he shows respect to his culture and passes this on to his children, who are also involved with his dance group. He holds family values highly and is willing to share his talents with all. Duncan's contributions and involvement in the community include: exhibitions at the National Museum, performances at Floriade, Reconciliation Week and Parliament House, numerous NAIDOC Week events, murals in Woden and Narrabundah, and many others. His performance group Wiradjuri Echoes is in great demand, not only performing traditional and modern dance, but also teaching about Aboriginal artifacts and tribal markings. Wiradjuri Echoes will make a guest appearance at the exhibition opening on June 7th. Proceeds of the sales of the paintings from the exhibition will be donated to CanTeen. Duncan feels the presence of his ancestors strongly when he performs. Belconnen Gallery is delighted to share the spirit with you.
