Johnathon World Peace Bush Adam and his dad

Since a mission was established on Bathurst Island [in the Northern Territory] in 1911, Catholicism remains embedded in the colonial experience of the Tiwi people. In this work, Johnathon World Peace Bush has recreated the iconic Catholic narrative of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and combined it with Tiwi cultural designs using local earth pigments collected from Country. The power of the work is that it frames these narratives from a Tiwi perspective, celebrating the resilient and ancient living culture to which he belongs.

‘I hope my artwork gives a glimpse into my strong beliefs of a want for world peace and equality for all humankind.’ says Johnathon World Peace Bush, a Paluwiyanga Yimunga man of Naringa Murrakupupuni (Country), takaringuwi (scaly mullet) skin and tartuwali (shark) yoyi (dance).

Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association, 2023