Artists statement

Uncle Jack Charles was a respected Aboriginal elder, a Bunerong, Boon Wurrung, Yorta Yorta, Palawa, Wurundjeri, Tungerong man, and an internationally acclaimed actor, mentor and activist. This inspirational, Indigenous gay man was part of the stolen generation and was taken from his family as a tiny baby. He survived the impact of this early childhood trauma by using drugs. Without support or housing, he was often homeless and imprisoned for long periods of time. True artistic recognition came only later in life.

Often the most talented members of our community struggle with addiction and homelessness. This work asks us to take a closer look at the way the state criminalises human responses to trauma, which the state itself has often inflicted, willing us to face history more bravely and to treasure people sooner.

Uncle Jack made profound and lasting change in legislation and public awareness on Aboriginality, criminality, and social justice in Australia. After his death there was an outpouring of grief across the country. Leonie worked closely with Uncle Jack over a decade developing this collection and now works with the Charles family to grow his legacy, which continues to positively impact the lives of thousands of people.

Artist Bio
Leonie Rhodes is an acquired and award-winning multidisciplinary artist from London, working in Brisbane (Meanjin) and Melbourne (Narm) on unceded Jagera, Turrbal, Wurundjeri, Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung land. Leonie studied sculpture at Chelsea School of Art London, and figurative sculpture at the New York Studio School, NY.

Influenced by the aesthetics of urban and digital counter-cultures, metropolitan space and the figurative history of art, Leonie is interested in modes of practice that engage the wider public in the outdoors and online. This socially engaged and skills-based practice is driven by the forging of relationships, community, and the work’s potential to provoke emotion and psychological insights which reinforce connections within and between people and their environment.

Narrative and affect itself sit at the intersection of diverse modes of practice including abstract and figurative sculpture, DJing, digital art, mentoring, events, and large participatory installations.

By using traditional hand-sculpting techniques, Leonie models a sense of life into clay, wax, and bronze. Working representationally, subtle abstractions take influence from the personality of each subject or the unique surroundings of the installation. Issues of identity, marginalisation and mental health in civic space are explored through relatable stories with thought provoking theoretical content, told via subjects close to the artist, on accessible public platforms.