Rodney Allan Young

Rodney Allen Young was born in Nubeena Tasmania on the 18th of February 1959 and is a member of the Blackley family. Rodney has been painting for about 27 years and is a self-taught artist who uses the stories told to him by his father and uncle as inspiration.
Rodney’s art has been sold extensively through private buyers and has ended up in countries such as New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. He also has canvases at the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre in Hobart and has completed commissioned artwork in Dover and on government buildings for the Department of Justice. He was once an Art Tutor employed in the Launceston area for the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.
Rodney uses traditional techniques such as dot style, spray and x-ray however he also utilses bright and vivid colours to contemporise his images which catch the eye and draw the viewer into the story being told on the canvas. Another style Rodney employs is the layering technique – over painting dots or lines to create a tactile sensation on the canvas.
Ultimately Rodney is hoping to use his paintings to enable people to better understand and appreciate the Tasmanian Aboriginal culture and the stories that make up the culture. He is intent on not allowing the culture or stories of his ancestors die and encourages young artists to continue telling the stories. He is currently serving time in Risdon Prison but whilst in prison operates as a peer tutor to young indigenous artists seeking guidance and inspiration.