If you’d told young Ron Bradfield Jnr (as an electrician), that he’d one day tell and make stories as an artist, that Ron would have laughed very hard at you. Back in the 1970’s and 80’s, Aboriginal people still weren’t allowed to sit on the grass of the Geraldton art gallery, let alone go inside of it. Over 30 years later, Ron has not only delivered training for regional artists in that very same gallery, but he’s delivered and presented across WA, Australia and the world, on the topic of who he is and how he’s arrived here, still wondering – all the while – how this has happened and why it matters. The truth is it does. Our stories matter. Who we are matters. Come and find out a little bit more about who you are, as Ron Bradfield Jnr shares some of who he is and how he got here.

Biography:

Ron Bradfield Jnr is a Bard, Jawi Aamba (Man) of the saltwater peoples around Djarindjin, outside Rubibi (Broome), Western Australia. Born in Mooniemia (Northampton), he grew up in Jambinu (Geraldton), but now lives Boorloo (Perth), where he tells and makes his stories. Working in textiles, traditional / found objects and installation; Ron picks apart the many myths of Australia with his own physical and emotional memories as an Aboriginal man. Drawing on his time in the Australian military and out of it, he challenges our society about what it believes and holds dear, regarding this country’s identity.

This event is supported by RMIT School of Art and CAST research group.

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung First Peoples on whose unceded lands we live, work, and play. We respectfully acknowledge their Elders past and present - and recognise their enduring connection to Country, culture, and community from which we all benefit from today.

Image: Ron Bradfield Jnr. In plain sight, 2019

Image credit: Sue-Lyn Moyle.

Contact the host of CAST Artist Talk: “So, you think you know me?”