Artworks will be available to be collected or shipped from Koorie Heritage Trust from Tuesday 24 February 2026 once the exhibition has closed. See our FAQ for more info.


Garen Smith, Muriwari
Connection to Country - colonisation way, 2025
synthetic polymer paint on canvas
40 x 122 x 4 cm

I am a Muriwari man who grew up on Wiradjuri Country in Dubbo, where culture, family, and community have strongly shaped who I am. My journey into art began during the COVID lockdowns, a time when painting became a way for me to cope, slow down, and find some peace in an uncertain world. What started as a simple way to pass the time quickly became an important part of my wellbeing.

Painting allows me to de-stress and switch off from the pressures of everyday life. When I sit down with a canvas, I can zone out from the world around me, often with the radio playing in the background as I work. It’s a space where I can breathe, reflect, and express myself freely. I’m especially drawn to bright, bold colours. I love the energy they bring and the way they can instantly lift a mood. I hope that when people look at my work, those colours bring them a sense of joy and light—just as creating them does for me.

Through my art, I aim to share positivity, calm, and a connection to the stories and experiences that shape my life.