Meet the Artist Behind the 2024 NAIDOC Tee Design

Dixon Patten (Bitja) is a proud Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, Dhudhuroa man with bloodlines from Wemba Wemba, Barapa Barapa, Djab Wurrung, Wiradjuri,Yuin, Wodi Wodi, Wolgal, Monaro.

As an artist, designer, mentor, influencer and a strong community advocate, Dixons artistic practice is informed through a strong cultural value that his family and community have imprinted into his mind, heart, and spirit.

His approach to his engagements is much bigger than an artistic visual; it is about the gifts and the influential shifts that creativity brings. Dixon’s narratives often delve deep into familial history, often in celebration and exploration of culture and connection and his willingness to share and learn are informed by the art of Deep Listening, or in his native Yorta Yorta language ‘Gulpa Ngawul’.

This practice has guided many of Dixon’s expressions by uncovering the layers, exploring trauma, exploring grief, reclaiming culture, bridging gaps, being accountable, learning to understand and also challenge systems, influencing spaces and learning to celebrate self. He takes his role as a storyteller seriously and feels humbled to continue this strong aspect of Aboriginal culture.

This artwork is inspired by Connection to Country; by observing the environment we learn a lot about ourselves, how nature influences us and how we in turn influence the environment.

The waterholes represent sitting still and reflecting. The waterways that connect, depict our many journeys throughout our lifetime. The animals represent our totems; Aboriginal people observed plants and animals and adopted their habits to ensure sustaining the land.

The gum leaves honour the Kulin Nation practice of 'Welcome to Country' and acknowledging that we are on Kulin Country. The various circles depict our diverse peoples, all having our own experiences and teachings, but coming together to uphold the value of connection and community.

The stones represent healing, and they are the stepping stones to education and that being the key to understanding, respecting and taking on the responsibility that we all have to Country and to each other.

To find out more about Dixon and Bayila Creative, check out the links below. 

Bayila Creative | Design | Australia

Bayila Creative (@bayilacreative) • Instagram photos and videos