In celebration of NAIDOC week, Eastern Arrernte and Gurindji singer-songwriter Dan Sultan has joined forces with Fender Guitars, two Aboriginal artists and a First Nation's-led organisation for an exciting combination of premium instruments, cultural celebration and design.
Collaborating with east coast Aboriginal artists Otis Carey and Niah McCleod, Sultan yesterday unveiled the exciting project, with both Carey and McCleod creating two pieces of playable art, painting brand new Fender guitars that will be auctioned this month, with all proceeds to be donated to Children's Ground.
A charity led by Aboriginal communities, Children's Ground works to create promise, hope and empowerment, with an overarching vision that every First Nations child born today should experience a lifetime of opportunity. Working with Indigenous communities, the ultimate goal for Children's Ground is for those they work with to enter adulthood firm in their identity and culture, and also economically independent. This philosophy significantly resonates with Sultan, and firmly into the Fender art project.
For Carey and McLeod, their art has taken on a whole new light, creating their poignant pieces on two of Fender's top-quality guitars.
Carey's sublime artwork, GAAGAL (Ocean), pays homage to the lands and ocean around his home in Coffs Harbour, named after a totem of his people, the Gumbaynggirr Mob, and presented on a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster.
On a Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster, McLeod presents NGUDJUNG YUGARANG (Mother's Heartbeat), a visual feast incorporating traditional dot work and striking design to reflect and connect her heritage and the lineage of her people.
These brand new guitars are not just incredible works of art; they're also entirely playable, and are currently up for auction until Sunday 25 July.
For more information, visit: airauctioneer.com/childrens-ground.
