A powerful new exhibition titled 'Face Value' by Archibald Prize-winning artist Blak Douglas is taking prime position at the Parliament of NSW.

For the first time together - and at Parliament House until March 27 - four larger-than-life portraits are on display. Taking Uncle Max Eulo, Christine Anu, Uncle Roy Kennedy and Brooke Boney as subjects, the portraits were entered into the Archibald Prize over the past decade - with two artworks selected as finalists. Each painting measures up to two metres in width and height.

Blak Douglas' artistic style is deeply influenced by themes of politics and social justice, which is heavily conveyed within his works. His achievements include winning the Kilgour Prize in 2019, the STILL Award in 2020 and the prestigious Archibald Prize in 2022, after being a five-time finalist.

"I project the face onto a large canvas and use my trademark cracking paint technique on the background, which signifies how dry the continent has become - my nod to global warming," he said.

"I use my customary seven bands in the background to represent 'The Seven Sisters', or 'Kungkarangkalpa' a well-known dreamtime story. While my art isn't about the Dreaming, it reflects living in the modern Dreaming. I hope it inspires others to pick up a pen and sketch their loved ones."

Located in the public 'Fountain Court' exhibition space, the Reconciliation Wall forms part of the Parliament's commitment to reconciliation with First Nations people, as a dedicated space for engaging with and promoting Aboriginal artists in NSW.

Ben Franklin MLC, president of the NSW Legislative Council, who is also the exhibition sponsor, said Face Value offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on the legacy and ongoing achievements and cultural contributions of Indigenous Australians.

Born Adam Hill before adopting the alias of 'Blak Douglas', the artist is a proud Aboriginal man of Dhungutti and Irish heritage who grew up in Western Sydney. He first trained in illustration and photography, before becoming a self-taught painter whose works are recognisable for their bold graphic style.

Blak Douglas has earned great acclaim as one of Australia's foremost contemporary artists. The five-time Archibald Prize finalist (2015, 2018-2020, 2022) took out the nation's most prestigious portrait prize in 2022 – becoming the first Aboriginal artist from NSW to win the Prize.

Face Value is on display at NSW Parliament House now until the 27th of March, 2025.

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