Today, Minister for Regional Australia and for the Arts, Simon Crean, launched an exhibition of works by the same artist featuring the first public showing of Fergusson’s recently completed portrait of Eddie Mabo himself.

The show, “Aboriginal & Islander Inspirations”, is a part of the InterContinental Hotels Group’s Reconciliation initiative and was set up after local Ngambri elder, Shane Mortimer, approached IHG (which manages the convention centre) to see if they could hold a Naidoc Week show in the National Convention Centre Main Foyer Community Art Space.

Artist Fergusson was on hand to explain how he had painted his Eddie Mabo portrait series that, unlike Bonita’s, was based on some blurred photos take by Eddie with his instamatic camera, held at arm’s length.

This exhibition, put together at short notice, he said,  features 15 works depicting “indigenous pride” seen in individuals and traditional practices of mainland Aborigines. Fergusson also showed “CityNews” one of the  famous sketchbooks that have accompanied him on his artistic journeys through the country.

The minister was well and truly upstaged by Mortimer, who wore a voluminous  possum cloak as he traced the nine-generation genealogy (which includes the immigrant shearer James Ainslie) that entitled him to this status, occasionally quizzing the audience of diplomats and public figures on their knowledge of Canberra’s naming. “Nobody can deny my Aboriginal background,” he said.

Mortimer said he expected Fergusson to complete 100 hundred portraits of Aboriginal people in their daily occupations. He said two of Fergusson’s Mabo portraits would go on the market to raise funds to assist indigenous cultural projects.

Putting that decision in context, Robert Russell, owner and director of Piermarq Art Advisory, gave guests at the opening a quick rundown on the state of the Australian aqrt market, commenting that Fergusson’s work was fast becoming collectible.

Fergusson has been supported and promoted by the Goulburn-based AARK, (Ag-Arts Residency Kenmore Limited), of which Bonita Mabo is the patron and Mortimer the founder. AARK sets up  creative collaborations and commercial opportunities across performing, visual and literary arts as well as Indigenous agricultural pursuits.

“Aboriginal & Islander Inspirations” at the National Convention Centre until August 1. Further information at www.theaark.org