Expressing Culture, Sharing Stories
Showcasing Aboriginal Heritage: The Art of The Son of Mannalargenna
Jacob Kennedy
Aboriginal Artist
Experience Authentic Aboriginal Art with The Son of Mannalargenna
Welcome to The Son of Mannalargenna. I am a descendant of the Tasmanian Aboriginal MANNALARGENNA and his wife TANLEEBONEYER, of the Ben Lomond people, also known as the Plangermaireener.
As an Aboriginal artist, I showcase a vibrant collection of art that speaks to my heritage and culture. From traditional motifs to contemporary expressions, each piece tells a story. Explore my gallery and immerse yourself in the beauty of Aboriginal art.
My art is of a spiritual connection I feel within my heart, of what I paint with acrylics onto canvas. My ancestors speak to me in my dreams and touch a place deep within my soul. I feel them in my blood. Every heartbeat is alive with the history and recognition of them as they watch from within and around, in the Dreamtime. The strength of our ancestors within the living of today.
Artists History
As a child I was different. I would go on walkabouts without a fear of the unknown. I was what people call a Huckleberry Finn. Always out within the landscape climbing tree’s to the very top, which as an adult I would never dare do.
When I reached my teens I chose the wrong path, and I walked this path through half my life lost in addiction. Many times I almost lost my life, but a deeper power kept me within this world. The Dreamtime Spirits of my ancestors would not allow it. There was a purpose for me within this world of beings.
I searched within my mind and within my soul, and it was within my heart that I felt the inner reasons for why I was here. It was to create my artworks of modern day dreams, to show the community what I feel and dream.
The feeling I get when I see people admire my art is one of happiness. Knowing I had made my family feel proud of me was something that was long overdue.
No addiction can do what art does for me. I’m in a state of tranquility. A state of enlightenment. It has taken me half my life to realise what my purpose is, and now that I’m there connected spiritually, I can display it on canvas. I’ll continue to do it until it’s time for me to meet my ancestors in spirit.
As we humans have emotion, my art changes as I paint from my feelings. Happy, sad, angry and annoyed. It all flows within my artwork. I paint all of my dreamtime art for my ancestors, the ones who got the raw end of the deal, who drew the short straw.
Humanity can be so cruel at times, and I wish that we could all live as one. That there were no wars. No hatred. That we as humans could take a step back and look around us. We are here to look after Mother Earth. Not disrespect her. My ancestors had that connection.