Jason Wing - People of Substance

Jason Wing is of Chinese and Aboriginal heritage, and although much of his work involves dissecting his identity, People of Substance is more broadly concerned with the experience of being human and the universality of substance abuse. It reminds us that drug and alcohol abuse is a by-product of colonisation and that mainstream Australia often overlooks this when examining the contemporary position of Aboriginal Australians. Rather than reinforce negative stereotypes, Jason aims to openly address the issue of addiction in regards to both Aboriginal Torres Strait Island Australia and the wider community.

The exhibition will feature new and previously exhibited works, including Blacktown Dreaming, which was exhibited at Blacktown Arts in 2009. The installation of singles beds made from hypodermic needles and spray cans demonstrates Wing’s fearlessness in confronting often taboo issues.

After seven years working as an art therapist in marginalised and disadvantaged communities, Jason remains committed to community consultation and engagement in his art practice. For this body of work the artist spent time talking with addicts, including ‘chromers’ or paint-sniffers. The beds in this exhibition reference these conversations, imitating the way chromers cough up different coloured paint on their pillows each morning.

Although the work is initially uncomfortable and confronting for viewers, it is imbued with a great sense of hope. Whether working on the street, within community or in the gallery, Jason continually demonstrates an absolute fearlessness and commitment to addressing some of the most significant issues facing contemporary Australia.

People of Substance opens on Saturday 25 June at 2pm in the Community Gallery with special guest speaker Uncle Jack Charles.

Image: Jason Wing, Blacktown Dreaming, 2009, Acrylic paint, wood, perspex, syringes. Photo by Adam Hollingworth.