24/7/02
(MEDIA NOTE: Aboriginal practice and custom requires that the name of the recently deceased [Jack Britten] should not be spoken. The person's name can be used in print).
The sudden death yesterday of the chairman of the Frog Hollow Community and a nationally renowned Aboriginal artist, was a great loss to his family and the wider Australian community, Minister for the Kimberley Tom Stephens said today.
"His artistic talents and work will be remembered for a very long time, especially his acute sense of design and surface decoration," Mr Stephens said.
"We are mourning the loss of a great man held in the highest regard, not only in his own communities of Frog Hollow and Guda Guda but for his long and distinguished leadership of his people, the Kija people of the East Kimberley."
In his later years, 'the Frog Hollow boss' as he was affectionately known, became a distinguished, highly regarded and prized artist.
"Throughout his life he was a role model for so many in our community: for his selfless dedication to family and community," Mr Stephens said.
"As well, his artistic magic touched the lives and hearts of so many people in this country.
"As one of the founding Warmun (Turkey Creek) artists who started painting in 1981-84, with compatriots Paddy Tjamitji/Jaminji, Rover Thomas, George Mung Mung, he initiated the 'Warmun School' artistic style of Aboriginal painting.
"He has often painted Purnululu, the ranges of the Bungle Bungles, to which he had direct ceremonial and land ownership and caretakership links.
"His direct and powerful style of the elemental forms speak of deep emotional and spiritual associations between this artist and that of his people with his country.
"His memory, and his legacy as a great community leader and a most significant Australian artist, will be with us always. All Australians have indeed been blessed to have shared the artistic magic of a very special man."
Minister's office: 9213 6500
