Steven Jabaljarri Sutton / Dragonflies (SJ17)

Steven Jabaljarri Sutton was born in Darwin, NT and grew up in Tenant Creek. After a number of years living in Kununurra (East Kimberley, WA), Steve has recently moved back to Tennant Creek to be close to his family.

Steve began painting when he was 16 years old. He combines two styles of traditional painting which makes for his very contemporary artwork. The crosshatching work represents his Grandmother’s country, the Roper River region in the Northern Territory. Many of his family members come from the Jawoyn traditional lands which stretch across 50,000 square kilometres. It is from these family members that Steve learnt to paint in the ‘dot’ style. Dot paintings are now internationally recognised as unique and integral to Australian Aboriginal Art.

Steve continues to paint for his own enjoyment as well as a way to bring people together in a shared love for aboriginal art and stories. He wants to inspire young aboriginal artists to express themselves, their beliefs, values and culture through their art work.

Steve has had 3 solo exhibitions in Brisbane and is represented in the National Gallery, Canberra.