Featured Artist: Blak Douglas

Blak Douglas, born Adam Douglas Hill in Blacktown, NSW, in 1970, is a proud Dhungatti man with English, German, Irish, and Scottish heritage. In 2014, he changed his name to "Blak Douglas" to honour his First Nations identity and the strength of his ancestry.

Raised in a creative family surrounded by art and craftsmanship, Blak developed his self-taught painting skills early on. His artistic journey continued with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Sydney Nepean, establishing him as a bold and politically engaged artist.

Blak’s work is known for its striking graphic style that confronts issues of social justice, Indigenous rights, and identity. His art tells powerful stories that challenge dominant narratives, and his voice continues to be a vital one in contemporary Australian art.

Blak Douglas has received numerous accolades, including the Kilgour Prize (2019), the STILL Award (2020), and the prestigious Archibald Prize (2022) for his portrait of fellow First Nations artist Karla Dickens. His work has been exhibited at the National Gallery of Australia, TARNANTHI Festival, and the AAMU Museum in the Netherlands. Locally, his pieces are held in public collections including the University of Newcastle.

A skilled Yidaki (Didgeridoo) player, Blak has also performed at major cultural events, including the Festival of the Dreaming, the Rugby World Cup, and Nelson Mandela’s Australian welcome.

Blak Douglas’s art and music continue to amplify First Nations voices and celebrate Aboriginal culture.

Visit Murrook Culture Centre today and explore the GUWAYU exhibition – on now for a limited time.