Kevin Gilbert (1933-1993) is widely recognised as the first First Nation fine art print-maker in Australia. He was a Wiradjuri visionary whose creative intelligence drew audiences to understand the plight of his Peoples under the heels of colonialism, while caring for the future of Australia as a whole. He was the first Aboriginal playwright with 'The Cherry Pickers' and the first writer of a political work published with 'Because a White Man'll Never Do It.' Recently he is now the first Aboriginal poet to have a bilingual anthology published in French, 'Le Versant Noir, The Backside'.

“I believe if there is to be an Australian culture, it cannot be an imported, ersatz culture. Cultures and the people are developed from the land they occupy. Culture has to be developed from the heart, from the depths of human integrity, the depths of human passion, the depths of human creativity and I believe that, if there ever is to be a sound overall culture for this land, it has to involve everyone and it must evolve and be based upon those fine aspects of the human family – integrity, justice, vision, creativity, life, honour …”

We suggest you also visit the Artists in Focus exhibition of his work at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney, where six of his original line carvings are also on display. The exhibition opened in June 2023 and runs until September 2024.

Burrambinga Books and Art is the exclusive family outlet for the artistic works of Kevin Gilbert. All works have been professionally valued. The limited edition linocuts are printed on 280gsm  Magnani Pescia 100% handmade cotton paper.