Tony Sorby, a proud descendant of the Kamilaroi people, was born on Burra Bee Dee Mission, located just outside of Coonabarabran, NSW. Kamilaroi country spans vast areas of north-western New South Wales and crosses into parts of inland Queensland, rich with cultural history and tradition.
Like many Indigenous Australians of mixed heritage during that time, Tony was taken from his family as an infant, spending his childhood in orphanages, foster homes, and institutions across NSW. It wasn’t until the age of 12 that he discovered his Aboriginal roots, but it would be more than 20 years before he could reconnect with his family and his heritage.
Tony’s journey, marked by hardship and resilience, saw him move through various jobs and places, with periods of his life spent in detention. Despite these challenges, Tony now stands as a man deeply at peace with his identity and proud of his Kamilaroi culture.
His artistic journey began as a way to reconnect with his Aboriginal heritage, initially leading him to formally study Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture. As Tony explored his identity, his artistic expression evolved, and he eventually found his passion in painting. Drawing inspiration from traditional Aboriginal symbols and the iconic dot art style pioneered by the Pintupi artists of the Western Desert, Tony’s works reflect both his personal journey and the stories of the Kamilaroi people.
Artist's Statement
"My paintings represent the Kamilaroi lands. This includes the sacred sites, trees, sandstone caves, escarpments, mountains, hunting tracks, hunting grounds, meeting places, and the journey tracks and campsites of the Kamilaroi people. The blue lines coursing through some of my artworks depict water, representing two rivers, the Castlereagh and the Barwon, as well as creeks and billabongs."
Tony’s confident, distinctive style is a tribute to his heritage, blending the past with the present to create meaningful representations of Kamilaroi country and culture. Through his art, he shares the beauty, history, and spirituality of his people’s land.
