Our Story: Aboriginal–Chinese People in Australia

Zhou Xiaoping is a Melbourne-based artist, born and educated in China. Since 1988 he has been actively engaged with Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, and the Kimberley, Western Australia.

Trained in the classical Chinese tradition, Xiaoping’s painting practice has evolved through his experience of living and working alongside Aboriginal artists on Country. These collaborations have led to several cross-cultural exhibition projects, including collaborations with Jimmy Pike and Johnny Bulunbulun.

Vernon Ah Kee is a descendant of the Kuku Yalandji, Waanji, Yidinji and Gugu Yimithirr peoples with Chinese ancestry. A political activist and founding member of the art collective Proppa NOW, Ah Kee's work explores race, identity and colonial legacies.

Gordon Hookey is a Waanyi man with Chinese and Javanese ancestry. Hookey’s work sits at the intersection of cultures, shedding light on historical and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Lloyd Gawura Hornsby is a descendant of the Yuin people with Chinese and French ancestry. Hornsby combines the traditional dot painting techniques with personal narratives in his art practice.

Jenna Lee is a Gulumerridjin (Larrakia), Wardaman and KarraJarri Saltwater woman with mixed Japanese, Chinese, Filipino and Anglo-Australian ancestry. Lee's work explores language, materiality and the transformation of inherited narratives.

Damien Shen is a South Australian man of Ngarrindjeri and Chinese descent. Shen’s work draws on his cultural heritage to explore themes around identity, culture and history.

Christian Thompson has Bidjara, Irish and Chinese–Australian heritage. Thompson’s multidisciplinary practice spans photography, video, sculpture, performance and sound, exploring themes of cultural hybridity, identity and history.

Jason Wing is of Chinese and Biripi descent. Wing’s work explores issues of bi-culturalism, indigenous rights and political identity through sculpture, street art and installation.

Zhou Xiaoping is a Chinese–Australian artist who has been actively engaged with First Nations communities across Australia since the 1990s.