Walkabouts with Alara

Alara arrived bare foot, and padded softly into our circle. He settled on his yoga mat for meditation.

​Friends flock to him for compassion and care. 

He talked about being a sole parent and how he spends his time between family, teaching art and painting. 

His presence was so quiet it took nearly two weeks before we spoke. His gentle and caring nature attracted friends to flock to him, offering friendship and hugs. 

Alara took us into his home and shared his art with us. Beautiful, earth colours, symbols of family and his journey. His father taught him to paint in the traditional way which helped them repair the bond that was broken by the stolen generation.

To research our painting, I walked with Alara through the bush by the sea. I learned a thousand things I never knew about trees, animals ground and food. 

My intention in painting Alara was to focus on his connection to the land by using earth tones, and, like the emu, Alara is camouflaged as he merges with country. His soft demeanour is heralded by a strong and loyal spirit which takes him far and wide in his journey.

Portrait of Bidjara man Alara Cameron Geebung​
by Monica Batiste 

Monica on Instagram
​
Media and Stories



https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/nrl-indigenous-round-jerseys-showcase-art-and-stories-from-around-the-country/fhqz7usv8


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jjvAIrMc7c

Alara was commissioned in 2020 to design an indigenous design for the Sharks NRL. Read more….

  Life has its challenges. Alara speaks with ABC presenter Kelly HIggins-Devine.

MALIYAN, THE WEDGETAIL EAGLE

Art Exhibition

Storytelling is an important component within Australian Indigenous art and the IASP team has been privileged to have this unique piece portraying the importance and benefits of a global conference coming together within Australia's Gold Coast. Alara has titled this piece, 'Being with Nature.' Read more…

Welcome to Country sign unveiled at Charleville​ Read this article