Biography - Kurun Warun
Kurun Warun (Hissing Swan) is from Gunditjmara country in South Western Victoria. Gunditjmara country is bordered by the Hopkins River to the east, the Southern Ocean to the south, Mt Dundas and Mortlake in the north and the Glenelg River in the west. Kurun’s matrilineal heritage can be traced directly to Truganini, the last living Tasmanian Queen.
Kuran is a dedicated painter who was initially tutored and encouraged by his mother. His mother is also an artist and was a student of three time Archibald Prize winner, Clifton Pugh. He first exhibited his works at the tender age of eight and sees his work as traditional Aboriginal stories presented in contemporary form.
All of his works have a traditional significance and incorporate certain symbols used with the permission of Gunditjmara Tribal elders. The surface narrative elements, known as the paintings "Story" or "Dreamings" are one of the many layers of the paintings meaning. His imagery has a deep cultural resonance that often defies simple interpretation. While only the initiated can truly understand the significance of these works, other viewers intuitively feel the power and beauty of this spiritual resonance and enjoy the journey of discovery over time.
Kurun Warun was also leader of Aboriginal dance troupe, Toolumby Waddama who toured the world presenting their unique style of dance. Kurun's art, dance and didgeridoo playing changed his life and broadened his horizons -- he has performed in Rome, Milan and Korea and was a featured artist in Sydney for the 2000 Olympic Games. He has appeared on NBC television in America and has demonstrated his unique didgeridoo sound for Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of former US President, Bill Clinton, and at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Oprah Winfrey show filmed there in 2010.
Kuran resides with his wife, two sons, and daughter in the Noosa Hinterland region of Queensland, when not travelling extensively through Arnhem Land.
Collections: The Edge, Auckland; Netherlands Embassy; Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Coolum; Pierce Brosnan - Private Collection; Michael Schumacher - Private Collection; Prime Minister of Turkey - Private Collection; Oprah Winfrey – Private Collection.