Aboriginal Tasmanian artist Reuben Oates has broken his silence after the “recent controversy” surrounding his design for the Tasmanian JackJumpers Indigenous round jersey, as several more Indigenous bodies share support for his work.
In a statement released on Friday night, Oates said he is an “immensely proud Tasmanian Aboriginal man” who is the “seventh great-grandson of Chief Mannalargenna, the leader of our trawlwoolway clan” and carries the “legacy of a rich and ancient Tasmanian Aboriginal culture”.
“I am a Tasmanian Aboriginal. My art is Tasmanian Aboriginal art,” Oates said.
But the JackJumpers, who pulled the jersey from sale on Tuesday after it was deemed ‘offensive’ by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC), have announced that the team will wear their regular home jersey as usual during tonight’s NBL Indigenous round in Launceston.
The event will feature a live welcome to country and performance.
Nala Mansell from the TAC earlier this week said it was “vital that the Tasmanian Aboriginal community are part of any planning or any processes in the lead up to ensure that it is authentic and is a proper representation of our people and culture”.
“We can work with different sporting clubs to ensure that the artwork and the people representing our culture are authentic.”
Oates confirmed that we was a “contemporary Tasmanian Aboriginal artist” and explained that his journey was “deeply rooted” in drawing inspiration from his rich ‘authentic’ heritage.
“One can see the echoes of ancient Tasmanian art practices in the mesmerising stone petroglyphs that date back more than 14,000 years. These stone engravings, characterised by circles, dots, and lines, have created beautiful, culturally significant symbols for centuries in Tasmania,” he said.
Oates acknowledged that many of their cultural practices were “shattered” during colonisation and “remained fragmented for years”, but he stood by his use of ‘dot art’, despite facing criticism from the TAC for it being seen as a misrepresentation of culture.
“As the custodians of traditions that evolve and adapt with time, we balance preserving our heritage and embracing the opportunities for contemporary interpretations,” he said.
“Art is a profoundly personal and interpretive form of expression. As an artist, I believe in the freedom to explore new avenues and adapt traditional forms to convey unique perspectives.”
“In my artwork, I present contemporary depictions of Tasmanian fauna and culture, embracing a modern interpretation of pointillism and dot painting, a style shared by artists worldwide.”
He said his intention with his artwork has “always been to celebrate and share my culture with the world” and he has no intention of changing course in the future.
“This journey is not without its challenges, but it’s a testament to the resilience of our heritage and the power of artistic expression to foster understanding.”
“I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and backing I have received from my fellow Tasmanian community members, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike. Your support has been a source of strength through this difficult time.”
“My art is a bridge between the ancient and the contemporary, a canvas that narrates our story of survival and renewal. I aim to educate, inspire, and foster greater cultural understanding and unity by sharing my art.”
He said that after the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre called for the jersey’s cancellation earlier this week, additional Indigenous bodies and influential figures have stepped forward to endorse his work.
Among them are the South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation, Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation, Mara Melavthenner Aboriginal Corporation, Tyerrernotepanner Aboriginal Corporation, First Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation, Indigenous Tasmanians Aboriginal Corporation, Uncle LP Lockheed, Uncle Rodney Dillon, Jony Berry, Yidumduma Bill Harney and Katherine, an elder from Wardamen in the Northern Territory.
“Your unwavering support has been a guiding light, and I look forward to continuing this journey of cultural celebration and artistic expression with you all,” Oates said.
“Together, we can foster greater understanding, unity, and appreciation for the rich heritage of Tasmania’s Aboriginal culture.”
