Dr. David John Jones, DVA, MAVA, BVA Hons 1st Class, Dip. VA
Using visual art David explores Australian culture and society from a perspective that incorporates his Dalungbarra and Anglo-European heritages. His great-great-grandmother was known as Mary Anne Dalungdalee, of the Dalungbarra, who was born at Wanggoolba Creek on K’gari, or Fraser Island in the early 1800s. David’s Dalungbarra heritage informs his art process and work, is the resolve that drives his visual practice.
His art, though at first aesthetically seductive becomes more disturbing as it is read, until the viewer is left with uncomfortable questions regarding the ‘peaceful settlement’ of ‘Australia’. David askes the viewer to reflect upon their own understandings and assumptions regarding the ongoing struggle for survival and autonomy that Indigenous peoples face each, and every day. Often incorporating dark humor, historical figures are re-imagined, re-presented in visual narratives meant to challenge and instigate reflective moments in an Australian viewer, by which a greater empathy for Indigenous ‘Australians’ could be fostered.
Printmaking has been central to David’s career in the arts, it has provided opportunity to print for many artists. This interaction, and sometimes collaboration with so many gifted people has been rewarding and educational for the artist. David currently operates Corvine Art, in Brisbane.
