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Kevin Pearson: The Story Behind Kyanga Art
Kevin Pearson’s art is a reflection of his personal journey of reconnection, resilience, and story telling. Through Kyanga Art, Kevin channels his deep connection to Family, Culture, and Spirit. Self-taught, Kevin tells the stories of his Ancestors and his Country by blending traditional and contemporary techniques. His work continues to honour his heritage and inspire others.
Early Life and Challenges
Kevin Pearson was born in Gayndah, Queensland (Wakka Wakka Country). At the age of 6, Kevin and his five younger siblings were orphaned when their mother died from breast cancer. He grew up in foster care without knowing his Aboriginal history - without his people, culture, or stories. Despite this, he held a deep knowing of where he came from and his connection to the water.Â
Discovering Art
In 2019 he managed to connect with his mother’s family. There began his journey as an artist - simple paints and a canvas, a birthday gift from his youngest daughter.
The Spirit in His Work
When Kevin paints, it is as though spirit travels through him to produce the  artwork and tell the story. He uses a combination of both traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art techniques and loves to work with bright colour combinations to tell the  stories of his ancestors.
Honoring His Ancestors
In homage to his 3 x great grandmother, Kyanga, he  signs every piece with her name because in finding her he has been able to express the  yearning for connection and family that has been with him his whole life.
Mentorship and Recognition
Although self-taught Kevin has been instructed and mentored by highly respected artist,  Lloyd Gawura Hornsby, whose guidance has been invaluable. You can see more of Lloyd’s art HERE.
In 2022 Kevin won the “People’s Choice” Award at the Moreton Bay Region Art Prize competition, with his piece “In the Beginning.” View the winning artwork and order your copy HERE. Read the story HERE.
In 2022 Kevin won the “People’s Choice” Award at the Moreton Bay Region Art Prize competition, with his piece “In the Beginning.” View the winning artwork and order your copy HERE. Read the story HERE.
Healing Journey Home
Kevin continued to discover his Aboriginal heritage, traveling, whiile his health permitted, to Kangaroo Valley, Tuross and Gulaga, where Kyanga and her family lived. Kevin describes this as a  healing journey home – and a welcome back to his Country.
Legacy and Passing
Diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in 2007, a genetic heart condition, Kevin passed away late 2023, aged 58 while waiting for a heart transplant. Kevin managed to find beauty and colour in life, despite the hardships that he faced. His family will honour his story by releasing limited reproductions of his work for sale and holding an exhibition to share his art in early 2025. Further information regarding the upcoming exhibition is HERE.
Kyanga Art acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We recognise the incredible contributions to caring for Country, and the resilience of all First Nations people. We pay homage to a rich history of art, music, and story telling as a means for communication and connection. We pay respect to Elders and all First Nations People, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.
©2024 Kyanga Art.
‍Woven Studio
©2024 Kyanga Art.
‍Woven Studio
