Napolean Oui

Born: 01/06/1972
Lives/Works: Cairns
Clan/Language: Djabugay

Biography

Napolean Oui’s country is Djabugay; one of 20 traditional tribal groups situated in the tropical rainforest region of Far North Queensland. He has worked for over 13 years as a cultural presenter and educator in Cairns. Napolean’s strong connection to culture helps to inform his creative practice. His knowledge and awareness of his culture both drives and inspires his art.
Through his art Napolean explores his connection to the rainforest and his culture in a contemporary medium that shows a strong linkage to his heritage. Although the paintings on canvas are contemporary, they evoke the essence of the unique and almost abstract art found on the ancient traditional rainforest shields which is his heritage. These are the largest shields found in Australia and provide a wonderful ‘canvas’ for this unique art form.
“Much of the ‘abstract’ art found on these shields have totemic significance while others relate to the natural world of the rainforest reflecting the close association and deep understanding that the traditional people had for the rainforest environment in which they lived.
It is these designs that inspire my contemporary interpretation onto canvas. I express our connection to living things and the land in the designs using strong ochre colors highlighted by black outlines as found traditionally on shields. It is my hope to show this unique and little known Indigenous traditional style to the world.”
Napolean’s style draws inspiration from the traditional stylized art unique to the large rainforest shields of Far North Queensland. “It is my strong connection to the traditional culture that inspires my paintings.”
Through his art Napolean tells the stories of the rainforest in his authentic style and in a way that connects strongly to his culture and heritage.
Since his initial exhibition with UMI Arts Napolean has gone on to further group and solo exhibitions as well as attending two artists in residency projects.