Wiradjuri spirit man / HJ Wedge ; with an introduction by Brenda L. Croft and an essay by Judith Ryan

HJ Wedge of the Wiradjuri nation was born on Erambie Mission, Cowra, in New South Wales. Although he worked occasionally as a drover and seasonal fruit-picker, he felt he would never amount to much in life or enjoy any real sense of achievement. But something was to change all that. An interest in photography and a chance meeting with a cousin who was studying photography at the Eora Centre for Visual and Performing Arts (TAFE), Redfern, led HJ to Sydney and to his subsequent enrolment at the Eora Centre. Through the Eora Centre curriculum Harry discovered painting - a medium conductive to his creative needs.

Today HJ Wedge is one of Australia's most popular contemporary Aboriginal artists. He exhibits regularly in Australia and overseas, and his work is held in state and national public collections. Through his engaging stories and vivid paintings HJ presents a unique insight into the realities and imaginings of contemporary Aboriginal life. Engaging a wide range of subjects from the environment to the royal family, alcohol abuse to popular television shows, HJ's stories are often amusing, sometimes confronting, and always direct. This book represents an important contribution to the literature of contemporary Aboriginal culture, particularly to that by Aboriginal people about their own art. At once entertaining and informative, HJ Wedge: Wiradjuri Spirit Man is an invaluable resource for all those interested in Aboriginal art and culture.