Silas Hobson
Silas Hobson is an artist at the Lockhart River Art Centre. He has lived in the Lockhart River Aboriginal community, a remote area on the east coast of Cape York in Far North Queensland, his entire life. Silas has been painting since 1995 and was one of the original artists to be part of the group known as the Lockhart River Art Gang.
Silas describes his work as a contemporary but still spiritual response to the traditional culture and isolation of his community. Part of this is the importance of relationships, both with each other and with the land, the sea, and the animals. Print, painting and sculpture are used within his work to communicate the stories, traditions and beliefs of his community.
Silas’ artworks are about local culture and his peoples’ need for genuine equal rights. His art is about people listening and cooperating, also meeting places, dance festivals and celebrations. Central to this is the idea of people coming together, yarning amongst each other, teaching and learning about ways and cultures.
A large number of solo and group exhibitions including Silas’ artworks have been displayed around Australia and internationally, including exhibitions in Italy, France, the UK and the United States. His work has also been featured in a number of local collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of NSW, the Queensland Institute of Technology Odgeroo Collection, the Flinders University Collection, the ATSIC Permanent Collection, the Wollongong University Permanent Collection and the Queensland Art Gallery.
