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Artist paints a creative look at discrimination

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Newcastle artist Megan Adams was heart-broken when she first witnessed racism.

Discrimination and the fight for racial equality is now the fire that burns within her and forms the basis of many of her fine art pieces.

In April the Maitland-born artist will enter her latest oil painting entitled Gawurra in the Archibald Prize 2020, Australia’s most prestigious art prize originating in 1921.

The 162cm by 138cm linen canvas is a portrait incorporating the face of Indigenous musician Gawurra with a sunset over the ocean in his homeland Milingimbi Island, off the coast of Arnhem Land.

Adams said the piece represented the two cultures that Gawurra ‘walked in’.

“Gawurra’s face is painted in different colours, highlighting the concept of judging a person on the content of their character rather than the colour of their skin,” she said.

In 2017 the professional artist, who employs a unique layering technique with her creations, painted former AFL player Adam Goodes, continuing the anti-racism theme.

Goodes, a celebrated player and former Australian of the Year, is an advocate for stamping out racism within the Australian culture and supports several Indigenous education programs.

“I didn’t consciously choose it [racism]” she said.

“It has just developed over time.”

When a friend’s young child faced a racist taunt in 2014, Adams said it was her first experience with such blatant hatred and it tore at her heart.

“I was never brought up in a racist environment,” she said.

“So, I find it bizarre that people can be attacked for being a minority.”

“Everyone knows the feeling of being victimised. It crushes your heart. These people don’t understand how they make people feel.”

Adams’ portrait of Gawurra will be sold via her website for $10,000 with 10 per cent of the proceeds going to the GO Foundation, founded by Adam Goodes and supporting the education of Indigenous children.

The Archibald finalists will be announced on 30 April with the final prize winner announced 8 May.

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