Reece George, a contemporary painter from Perth, Western Australia, has quickly made waves in the art world since taking up the brush in March 2024. Now based in Woodstock, New South Wales, George’s expressive compositions weave Indigenous storytelling with a modern aesthetic, blending stylised animals, intricate dot work, and bold textures. His work, deeply rooted in his Martu heritage, explores themes of identity, community, and connection to the land through a contemporary lens. Working primarily with acrylic on canvas, George employs a striking palette of earthy ochres, deep blacks, and bright oranges, creating a visual language that resonates with cultural and emotional depth.
George’s connection to Martu Country, a vast desert landscape of scorching days, deep red earth, and endless skies, grounds his artistic practice. Raised on Beyondie Cattle Station, the rhythms of the land and the stories of his ancestors, often shared by his grandmother on the cool verandah, permeated his life. The Rabbit-Proof Fence, a symbol of resilience near his childhood home, also informs his work, its history reflected in the layered textures and dot work that map personal and cultural memories onto canvas. “Every painting bridges where I stand now and where I come from,” George says, capturing the unbroken tie to his desert roots.
His evolving practice includes three distinct series: Martu Faces, which portrays Indigenous figures with a blend of realism and symbolic patterns; Animal Dreaming, where anthropomorphic creatures bring humour and cultural storytelling to life; and Connection, an abstract exploration of landscapes, figures, and the spiritual bond between people and places. Collectors are drawn to the emotional resonance of his paintings, often noting how the desert colours transport them and how the figures hold stories within their forms. George aims to celebrate the resilience of Indigenous culture while embracing contemporary influences, inviting a broad audience to connect with his deeply personal yet universally human narratives.
Wentworth Galleries, a Sydney CBD institution for over 25 years, currently showcases George’s work at its Queen’s Wharf, Brisbane location. Known for connecting art lovers with Australia’s best visual artists, Wentworth bridges the often-unwarranted divide between Australian European-style painting and Aboriginal art, presenting a balanced mix of genres to significant effect. The gallery prides itself on curating the finest examples of contemporary and Aboriginal art, ensuring each piece enriches homes and offices for generations. With a small selection of international artists also on display, Wentworth offers a diverse and inclusive art-buying experience.
The gallery’s commitment to customer satisfaction makes it the perfect venue for George’s evocative works. Wentworth goes to great lengths to ensure a seamless experience, offering free home trials, complimentary delivery, and professional hanging throughout Sydney alongside an industry-leading two-year exchange guarantee. Their passionate staff thrives on finding the right piece for each client, whether for love, investment, or both, making the process of acquiring art—like George’s culturally rich paintings—easy and enjoyable.
Wentworth Galleries provides an ideal setting for those seeking to experience Reece George’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. Open daily, the gallery invites visitors to explore how George’s Martu Faces, Animal Dreaming, and Connection series capture the pulse of the land and the spirit of his culture. With every stroke, George honours his heritage while speaking to a universal audience, and Wentworth ensures his work finds a home where it will be cherished for years to come.
Reece George ‘Martu Faces ~ Stories of Shadow & Light’
April 12 – April 20, 2025 at Wentworth | Queen’s Wharf | Brisbane
Visit Wentworth Galleries or Reece George online today!
