04 Jul 2025
Celebrating NAIDOC Week with Artist Brad Dodd (@backofthebrush)
As part of our NAIDOC Week celebrations, we were honoured to welcome Aboriginal artist Brad Dodd (@backofthebrush) to our school to share his passion, talent, and cultural stories through Indigenous art.
Brad spoke to our students about his journey as an artist and the deep cultural significance behind his stunning dot paintings. He explained how traditional symbols and storytelling are brought to life through the use of colour, pattern, and composition—each artwork carrying meaning that connects to Country, family, and identity.
We are deeply grateful to Brad for the generous donation of his artwork Dad’s Goanna. This incredible piece not only shares a personal family story but also features symbols representing children and family—making it especially meaningful to our school community. It will be displayed with great pride as a lasting reminder of connection and culture between Kemps Creek Public School and Brad's family.
A highlight of the session was when Brad shared the story behind his award-winning piece, Dad’s Goanna. This powerful artwork tells the story of his father and family using traditional art symbols and dot painting techniques. The goanna is a significant totem in Brad’s family and features prominently in his storytelling.
Following Brad’s inspiring presentation, students returned to their classrooms full of ideas and enthusiasm. Students designed their own dot paintings on pencil cases, each a unique reflection of their personal stories, cultural appreciation, and connection to the themes of NAIDOC Week.
This special experience was a meaningful way for our students to engage with Aboriginal art and culture, and to deepen their understanding of this year’s NAIDOC theme. We are incredibly grateful to Brad for his generosity, his storytelling, and for helping us celebrate the oldest continuing culture on earth through the power of art.
#NAIDOC2025 #BackOfTheBrush #IndigenousArt #CulturalConnections #BradDodd #AboriginalStorytelling