Gavin Wanganeen

The legendary AFL player and Brownlow Medallist with over 300 senior games, Gavin Wanganeen has had an incredibly successful AFL career with two premierships and countless awards. It’s no wonder why so many Australians consider him to be one of the best athletes from our country.

A descendent of the Kokatha people in South Australia, Gavin holds a strong connection to Australia and its Indigenous culture. Closely raised by his family and local community, Gavin shares his great grandfather's love for colour and storytelling.

Since his early twenties, Gavin honours his cultural heritage by painting, where he explores his ancestral links by recreating beautiful memories on the canvas. He inspired his fellow Aboriginal teammates to produce the best art from their respective regions in a friendly competition.

In 2016, he debuted his first solo exhibition, ‘Shooting Star’, inspired by a camping trip with his wife on Wardang Island. With his ancestor’s connection to the night sky, Gavin was able to express his heritage on the canvas after his magical sighting of a shooting star. Later in the year, Gavin would hold his second solo exhibition with the Willunga Gallery, thanks to the support of Arts South Australia.

With his cultural heritage and exceptional talent, Gavin is still most grateful for the support and mentorship of his Indigenous relatives and friends. His work has gone on to receive nationwide attention and critical acclaim.