Julian Oates is a contemporary Tasmanian Aboriginal artist whose work explores the intimacy, vulnerabilities and tension within humanity’s evolving relationship to the natural world. Interest in Julian’s work continues to grow, with paintings finding homes in private collections throughout Australia and internationally.

A descendant of Chief Mannalargenna (c. 1770–1835) who was an influential leader and warrior among the Plangermaireener/Trawlwoolway tribe (Ben Lomond), Julian draws strong inspiration from his heritage and upbringing. 

Julian explores themes of consciousness, evolution, environmental change and the future of humanity within rapidly advancing technological societies. His work reflects on the paradox of a species capable of remarkable scientific, medical and creative achievements while simultaneously reshaping and destabilising the ecological systems upon which all life depends.

Working for more than 16 years across acrylic on canvas/linen, resin on board and layered mixed media processes, Julian has developed a distinctive visual language that merges organic systems, symbolic forms, biology, star systems and contemporary abstraction. His artworks examine the tension between humanity’s extraordinary capacity for innovation and its increasing disconnection from the living systems that sustain existence.

At the centre of his practice is an invitation for viewers to find personal meaning within each work and reflect on their own connection to the universe, nature and human existence. His paintings celebrate both the visible world and the infinitely complex inner worlds carried within human consciousness, while questioning whether progress without ecological and spiritual connection can ever truly sustain us.

Julian Oates is a member of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia (AAAA), a national association supporting Australia’s Indigenous visual arts industry.

Exhibitions

• Solo Exhibition — Art Mob, Hobart (2011)

• Solo Exhibition — Art Mob, Hobart (2014)

• Solo Exhibition — Art Mob, Hobart (2016)

• Solo Exhibition — Art Mob, Hobart (2017)

• Solo Exhibition — Art Mob, Hobart (2018)

• Solo Exhibition — Art Mob, Hobart (2020)

• Solo Exhibition — Art Mob, Hobart (2021)

• Solo Exhibition — Art Mob, Hobart (2024)

• Solo Exhibition — Art Mob, Hobart (2024)

• Solo Exhibition — Art Mob, Hobart (2025)

• Featured Artist — Paris Art Fair (September 2021)