Middens of the Manegin

This painting maps my Country, celebrating the traditional lands, rich waterways, and rugged coastline running between the Arthur River (trowutta) and laraturunawn(Sundown Point) on Tasmania's wild west coast. Created with luminous metallic paints, the shimmering gold background and glistening details reflect the powerful, raw sunlight that glints off the waves and sand dunes of takayna.
The vibrant sea shells scattered across the canvas honor the ancient middens lining these shores—enduring testaments to thousands of generations of my people, the Manegin, thriving by the water. Swirling with detailed dot work, the curling, fluid motifs mimic the powerful currents where the freshwater river meets the roaring Southern Ocean, while tracing the traditional coastal pathways and seasonal journeys of the old people.
This artwork brings the ancient spirit of the west coast into the light, honoring the eternal connection, survival, and resilience of my ancestors and the Manegin people.

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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.