Reece George is a proud Martu artist and scholar based in Woodstock, New South Wales. His work embodies the vibrant storytelling traditions and cultural heritage of the Martu people from Western Australia. Raised on Beyondie Cattle Station, Reece’s early life was deeply influenced by the landscapes, people, and stories of his family. These connections are woven throughout his art, grounding each piece in the physical and spiritual aspects of Martu ngurra (country).
With an academic foundation that includes dual Ph.D.s in Marketing and Information Technology, Reece’s career began in research, where he specialised in Indigenous knowledge systems. His doctoral work explored culturally relevant social marketing strategies and the integration of cultural requirements in digital design for Aboriginal communities. This background developed his understanding of the holistic perspectives unique to Aboriginal ways of knowing, inspiring him to eventually leave academia and dedicate himself to a full-time art practice.
As a self-described “free-range” Aboriginal artist, Reece chose not to pursue formal Western art education, preferring instead to let Indigenous ways of learning guide his artistic journey. He developed his craft through relationships, experiences, and everyday inspirations, finding beauty in the people, places, and elements around him. His work reflects a dynamic fusion of traditional Martu techniques and contemporary sensibilities, merging intricate dotting with figurative forms that speak to themes of identity, kinship, and connection to the land.
Faces, particularly those of Martu people, are central in Reece’s compositions, embodying the spirits of ancestors and symbolising the bond between people and their environment. Through his artworks, Reece invites viewers to not only see but feel the timeless narratives carried through Aboriginal art.
Reece’s art has become a bridge between past and present, celebrating the resilience and richness of his culture. His work is represented in private and public collections, where it serves as a powerful reminder of Australia’s cultural diversity and the importance of preserving Indigenous knowledge. For Reece, each canvas is not just a work of art but an offering—an invitation to connect with the deeper stories of the Martu people, inspired by the beauty of both tradition and transformation.
Education
Ph.D. in Marketing, Charles Sturt University, 2020
Dissertation Title: “Indigenous Australian Perspectives in Social Marketing”
Investigated how Indigenous Australian perspectives can inform and enhance social marketing strategies, ensuring they are culturally relevant and effective.
Ph.D. in Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, 2012
Dissertation Title: “Capturing Cultural Requirements in the Design of a Website for an Aboriginal Community”
Conducted an in-depth study to integrate cultural requirements effectively in digital platforms, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage and accessibility for Aboriginal communities through technology.
Bachelor’s Degree in Computing, James Cook University, 2000
Focused on integrating technological solutions with Indigenous knowledge systems.
Skills
Languages:
- Proficient in Pidgin English.
- Knowledgeable in Martu language, including several keywords and phrases.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency with information technologies, research software, and data analysis tools.
- Expertise in Indigenous research methodologies, including community-based participatory research.
- Experienced in user-centred design, particularly in the context of culturally sensitive and inclusive digital platforms.
- Expertise in social marketing techniques and culturally sensitive communication strategies.
Interpersonal Skills:
- Proven ability to collaborate with Indigenous communities to capture and translate cultural requirements into technical specifications.
- Skilled in applying decolonizing research methodologies, and ensuring respectful and culturally appropriate interactions with Indigenous communities.
Awards and Honors
1st Indigenous lead author to be published in The Journal of Marketing.
Professional Affiliations
- The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS): Member
- Indigenous Art Code: Artist Member
- Aboriginal Art Association of Australia: Artist Member
