Manegin Life

This painting is dedicated to my Manegin Ancestors who lived on the Tasmanian North West coast. My painting invokes childhood memories of my occasional visits to the coast, I was always excited when rocky outcrops were present, and if I was lucky enough to be there at low tide, I knew that there would be small pools of water providing a temporary home for crabs, fish and other creatures trapped there. This painting is a representation of those great times in my early childhood, and stimulates those fond childhood memories every time I look at it.

Follow

Born in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1947, Uncle Greg Matthews is a contemporary First Nations artist whose powerful creative art is anchored in his heritage as a descendant of the Manegin people from the North West Nation. His Totem is The Sea Eagle, and his language group is Peerapper.
His life journey has been shaped by pivotal, unseen forks in the road and times of deep childhood hardship over which he had no control. Yet, looking back through these trials, he believes a grander path was always mapped out, leading him directly to his true calling in art.
Driven by an immense pride in his culture, Uncle Greg views art as a sacred bridge to his ancestors and a vessel for breathing life into ancient stories. He works primarily with vibrant acrylic paints, meticulously sharing his cultural narratives through traditional dot work. The enduring spirit of his people flows through his veins, serving as the unbreakable foundation for both his life and his creative work. Today, he creates from a place of deep peace, happiness, and belonging. Through his art, he has found a beautiful community, surrounding himself with wonderful friends who walk alongside him on this creative journey.
Uncle Greg’s paintings and stories are derived from his own research & life experiences, in conjunction with the Traditional Manegin Tribal Lores & Customs that have since been passed on to him. He has developed his own unique contemporary Aboriginal art style, his art has been displayed in Hobart & Melbourne Galleries and displayed in commercial premises in both Melbourne & Sydney. Uncle Greg’s art has been acquired by collectors Australia wide & internationally. Selected designs of Uncle Greg’s art have also been commercially reproduced on high quality cotton fabric and is currently available internationally.
Uncle Greg has achieved local recognition for his art, and his art has won awards. His studio is in Berwick, Victoria.
He pays respects to the traditional owners of the land upon which his studio is located; he also acknowledges Aboriginal Elders past present and those who are emerging.