Mark Huddleston

Birth Place: Sydney Year of Birth: 1967

Background: Mark is a renowned Aboriginal Artist, born in Sydney and has connections to the Ngardi language group in the Roper River region of East Arnhem Land through his fathers people and has cultural ties with the Wiradjuri tribe of NSW through his mother’s people from the Talbragar people, Dubbo

The Roper River Mission was established in 1908 and became a focal food and shelter point for people within a radius of several hundred kilometres whose traditional way of life had been severely disrupted. In 1968 the mission reverted to Aboriginal control and its name changed to Ngukurr.

His grandfather the late Harry Huddleston was a traditional owner from Burrungu, also known as the Ruin City. Marks paintings are based on the custodial country and the stories associated with it. They depict in the traditional Raark or crosshatch design, totems and spirits relating to real life activities such as hunting, fishing, singing and dancing. These images form the teachings of the ancestors on survival and social infrastructure. His grandparents and father were moved from Groote Eylandt after the bombing of Darwin 1941 to Mulogoa, near Warragamba Dam. This was part of the government’s policy in forcing assimilation of Aboriginal people into mainstream society. His grand mother Florence Croft was taken as a baby from her birthplace in the Tanami desert of Central Australia and adopted into Ngardi way of life. For this reason Mark has a connection to his Grandmother, Lily Nangala’s dreamings. Mark has been exhibiting his art work at a number of venues in Canberra and the local Markets for the past 15 years. Themes: Mark paints on canvas using acrylic paints and paints didjeredoods. Mark also paints murals for schools and other projects such as organisations and businesses Education: Mark obtained his year 11 certificate attending Woden High School in Canberra. Awards / Grants: • Designer Australian Federal Police Commissioners Medals • Innovation and Excellence 2001 Group Exhibitions: Mark has exhibited in: • Tamworth Festival 2009 • Kingston Markets ACT on and off for last ten years • Canberra Show 2000 - 2008 • Canberra Casino 1999 • Fireworks Gallery Canberra 1995 • Olympic Games 2000 • Multicultural Festival Canberra 2000 & 2007 • National Folk Festival 2000 - 2003 • Naidoc Day Wollongong NSW 2009

Title: Lobster Information: The lobster relaxes in the waterhole- painted with acrylic on canvas Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Dimensions: 95 cm x 90 cm Price: AUD$300.00 Convert ID: MAH009

Title: Three Barramundi Medium: Acrylic on stretched canvas Dimensions: 110 cms x 30 cms Price: AUD$900.00 Convert ID: MAH081