Shane Gibson

Shane Gibson, Aka Dhuga, is a local artist from Hopevale (Guumba), a member of the Bulgun, Thuubi, Dhaarrba and Bindhi clans of the Guugu Yimithirr nation. Shane was born in Cairns base hospital on Australia Day in 1973. Growing up in Hopevale, his traditional country, through his grandmother Nancy Bowen, Shane received the name Dhuga from his great grandfather Ngamu-dhuga. After finishing school Shane’s first employment was at the Cape Flattery Silica mines. After eight years, Shane moved back to Hopevale, where he held the position of police sergeant for five years. Following these memorable years he moved in Cooktown to take up the position of Police Liaison officer and it was here in this spare of time he started experimenting with acrylics. A loving father of two girls he hopes one day to see his daughters continuing his love of paintings.
An accomplished musician and didgeridoo player, Shane has only been painting for two years. He is rapidly establishing a name for himself as a respected artist who shares his story, and that of his family, about the local country and ancestral memories.