About the Painting:Uncle Rodney O' Brien is a Kaurna Elder and the inaugural Cultural Advisor within Wirltu Yarlu Aboriginal Education Unit at the University of Adelaide, this portrait was comissioned by the University in 2021 to commemorate Uncle Rodney as the first Kaurna Cultural Advisor, which he had been performing for the previous 4 years and continues to do so. With Rod's approval, Ngarrindjeri man and South Australian artist Thomas Readett was selected as the commissioned artist .
Uncle Rod O’Brien is a respected Kaurna Elder and holds the role of Cultural Advisor at the University. Uncle Rod brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and pride in his Aboriginal heritage and culture and a willingness to share , teach and grow. He is a passionate about the revival of the Kaurna language and a lifelong Port Adelaide Football Club supporter.
This portrait acknowledges his leadership in facilitating the University of Adelaide community on its journey to walk together in harmony. Readett’s portrait captures Uncle Rod standing next to the Wangu Pole sculpture at the Kaurna Learning Circle, on the North Terrace campus.
Artist: Thomas Readett
About the Artist:Thomas Readett is an Established Artist and a Ngarrindjeri man who was born and raised on Kaurna Country (Adelaide, SA) where he continues to practice and live. Thomas’ practice spans drawing, painting ,video, music, advocacy and education. Thomas has been a drawer his entire life ever since he was a child, wanting to further his career as a professional artist he began study at Adelaide Central School of Art in 2011, and it was then he began painting. This is now one of his main practices among others. Thomas graduated his study at Adelaide Central School of Art completing his Associate Degree and Bachelor of Visual Arts Degree (BVA) in 2015 mastering in Painting and Video work. During his time at Adelaide Central School of Art he held group shows with fellow graduates and ended the degree with his final body of video work based around ideas of Solitude and a personal journey through his identity.
