About

This retrospective exhibition celebrates the art of Joe Alimindjin Rootsey, one of the first Indigenous people in Queensland to be recognised as a contemporary artist. After Rootsey's works were exhibited at the Cairns Show, the North Australian Monthly promoted him as 'The Second Namatjira', and the Department of Native Affairs invited him to attend Central Technical College in Brisbane in 1958. Later that year, the Department exhibited Rootsey's work at the Royal National Exhibition and the Queensland Aboriginal Creations shop in George Street, Brisbane. Many paintings were sold. This exhibition recognises the importance of Rootsey's works in Queensland's art and cultural history.