BEHIND the intricate lines and patterns of his artwork, Billy Doolan makes a bigger point.
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The Palm Island elder and internationally exhibited artist is a staunch environmentalist.
“I paint to share with people my dismay and frustration at what destruction people inflict on Mother Earth, its waters and oceans and the life within,” he said.
A series of paintings reflecting his concerns – completed under the title of Patterns of Life – are now on display at the Aboriginal Exhibitions Gallery at Rutherglen Estates.
Having painted professionally since the mid-1970s, Doolan said he started focusing on the environment more than a decade ago.
“Turtles are at risk from boats and people eating them,” Doolan said.
“On Palm Island a turtle was only ever taken for special occasions. Now they’re in low stocks and there are too many jellyfish; it’s about respecting the balance of nature.”
Doolan’s influence has reached Hong Kong and Sicily.
