Dean Tyson, a Ngugi man from Quandamooka Country, has launched his first solo exhibition at Aboriginal Art Co's Vault Gallery.

Known by his skin name, Biŋkin, he is the most recent participant in the Safe Space Artist Residency program and describes himself as a cultural practitioner rather than an artist.

Biŋkin told National Indigenous Times his art is a continuation of traditional practices.

"I just practice culture as much as I can in many ways, and art forms are one of the strongest for me," he said.

The exhibition, which opened on May 30 with a Welcome to Country by Yagarabul woman, Gaja (Aunty) Kerry Charlton, showcases paintings influenced by saltwater lore and Dreaming stories.

Biŋkin said the works are a tribute to his elders, family, and community.

"This exhibition is about just that, the culture being strong and continuing," he said.

"What you see in my exhibition is a tribute to my elders, my community, my family, because culture is medicine."

Biŋkin noted painting serves as a way to keep cultural knowledge alive, sharing that "we are the oldest artists in the world," and emphasised the importance of reconnecting with cultural practices.

When asked about reconciliation, Biŋkin questioned the use of the term.

"I think reconciliation is a notion that may be not the right one," he said.

"If you want to talk about the true story and if you know that word, reconciliation or to reconcile, you have to be one together in the start, then have a difference and separate, then reconcile.

"I don't think we can use that terminology because we were never one."

Biŋkin suggested there is a need for language that better reflects the goal of bringing together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

"This country has a history and a future, but we also have separate stories and more of our future is together," he said.

Looking ahead, Biŋkin said he hopes to continue combining culture and arts.

"This is my first show. So who knows what the future holds," he said.

"Hopefully I can keep practising culture and arts together and be able to make a career out of it, but also make a living out of it."

Family and friends from the community attended the exhibition opening in support of Biŋkin's work, marking a significant milestone in his journey as an artist.

The artwork is available to browse and purchase at Aboriginal Art Co. in South Brisbane.