Legacy of Aboriginal artist lives on

An artwork unveiling in Brisbane has honoured one of Australia’s most cherished contemporary Aboriginal artists, advocates and advisors — the late Ron Hurley.

Family members of Mr Hurley joined Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Mark Furner to install The End of Kabuls Journey at the Queensland Government’s 1 William Street headquarters this morning.

“This artwork, formerly located in the iconic Neville Bonner building, tells the dreamtime story of the Rainbow Serpent and creation of the Brisbane River,” Mr Furner said.

“Described as a man of culture, community and conviction, Ron was instrumental in sharing stories of Brisbane’s First Nations peoples as one of the first artists to link Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures through Aboriginal and Western art.

“His significant contribution to Australia’s Indigenous arts, including as founding chairperson of the Queensland Government’s Indigenous art export agency, continues to shape the industry.

For almost two decades, Queensland Government staff and visitors enjoyed Ron’s artwork in the foyer of the Neville Bonner building.

There was also an embossed design of the artwork on the exterior of the building.

“Key sculptures and artwork displayed at the Neville Bonner Building have been carefully relocated ahead of the Queen’s Wharf development works,” Mr Furner said.

“Fittingly, The End of Kabuls Journey now finds a new home at 1 William Street overlooking the Brisbane river area where Ron would paint.”

Ron Hurley is proudly survived by his wife, Colleen and two children, Angelina and Simon.

His artwork is showcased in public spaces across Queensland including in Ipswich, Kangaroo Point, Kelvin Grove, the Roma Street Parklands and Woolloongabba.

For more information visit www.ronhurley.com (external site)

Contact: Brock Taylor - 0427 018 178