Jack Young and the Sky by Jack Young

Born and raised between Brisbane and the Cherbourg community, I am a proud Ascendant of the Waka Waka people. My self-portrait reflects both my personal journey and my connection to identity.

Cherbourg carries a deep and complex history as a former Aboriginal settlement where many First Nations families were displaced and brought together, yet it remains a place of cultural strength, resilience, and community.
Through this painting, I wanted to honour who I am and the rich lineage of Ancestral knowing, I carry that continues to shape me.

The clouds within the artwork represent peace, reflection, and spiritual connection. I have always found comfort in cloud watching, as it allows me to escape the noise of everyday life and reconnect with a deeper part of myself. The open sky becomes a sacred space for thought, healing, and self-understanding. By combining my image with these elements of nature, the work explores introspection, belonging, and the quiet relationship between identity, memory, belonging and becoming.