Gary Philip Lee
Garramilla / Darwin, NT
Nagi (Larrakia: maternal grandfather) is a portrait of Juan (John) Roque Cubillo (1906–1942). He was killed during the first bombing raid on Darwin wharf, 19 February 1942. John Cubillo was a good father and provider and by all accounts was well liked. Johnny wore a grey felt hat to which he would attach small gardenias with a sweet scent. This portrait, in the year of the 80th anniversary of Darwin's bombing, is a timeless remembrance and salute to Johnny.
About the Artist
Based in Garramilla / Darwin, Gary Lee is a Larrakia artist with affinities to the Wardaman (NT) and Karajarri peoples (WA).
An anthropologist by training (Australian National University, Kamberi/Canberra) Lee has, since 1993, embarked on a photographic project focusing on male portraiture, which explores the nexus of culture, ethnicity and masculinity, particularly among �everyday� boys/men.
His work has been included in many significant Australian exhibitions, most recently Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia at the Art Gallery of Western Australia (2021�22) and QUEER: Stories from the NGV collection, National Gallery of Victoria (2022). His work is held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia, Art Gallery of Western Australia, National Gallery of Victoria and Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, and other public and private collections. This year, 2022, marks the sixth time Lee has been selected as a Telstra NATSIAA finalist.
