Many people would describe my paintings as “aboriginal art”, but I personally do not. While my artwork clearly reflects my indigenous heritage, it is also influenced by my “whiter” side. Many of my paintings attempt to depict the Australian bush and all of the creatures that inhabit it, in a way that acknowledges and celebrates indigenous culture and values. Other works seek to examine and depict the imbalance and tension between black and white Australia, while some address non-racial, universal themes of nature, life and death.

Artist Statement

Debra O'Regan

Art reflects our perception of the world around us. Perception is shaped by life experiences.

I have lived in two different worlds. Born into a mixed-race family, as a child and teenager I was viewed as indigenous. More accurately, in those days I was perceived as a “half-caste”, not fully accepted by either the black or white communities. My childhood was characterised by poverty, abuse and racism - influences which lend a dark tinge to some of my works. However my early life was also full of carefree exploration of my environs, particularly the nearby bush, river, beaches and ocean, which are things also reflected in my paintings.

My relatively fair complexion ultimately allowed me to escape, and for many years deny my aboriginality and early life. When I married I began a new existence in white middle-class society, with all of its relative wealth, opportunity and complexity.

In writing my autobiography several years ago, I confronted the demons of my past and acknowledged my heritage. This allowed me to at first accept, and eventually embrace, who I am and where I have come from.