Olympic champion and Kuku Yalanji and Birri Gubba woman Cathy Freeman AC (b. 1973) is recognised for her sporting legacy as well as her enduring advocacy for young First Nations people. This colour-popping portrait celebrates Freeman’s iconic gold medal win in the 400m final at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, viewed by a record-breaking television audience of over eight million people. On her victory lap, Freeman famously draped both the Australian and Aboriginal flags around her shoulders.
Kaylene Whiskey is a Yankunytjatjara woman of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, who grew up in Indulkana in north-west South Australia. Grounded in the power of storytelling and celebration, Whiskey’s vibrant and joyful portraits combine Anangu culture with global pop culture and surround her subjects with text and symbols that carry important messages about care and love. Divided into three distinct canvases, Whiskey’s portrait of Freeman captures the artist’s memories of this historic moment and its lasting impact. ‘I was in Indulkana with my family, we were all watching her race on the television. Everyone was yelling loudly “run Cathy! Go Cathy!” and when she crossed the finish line we were all jumping up and cheering so much … Cathy is a hero for Aboriginal people, she is a kungka kunpu – a strong woman.’
Purchased with funds provided by Elizabeth Dibbs and David Tudehope 2025
© Kaylene Whiskey
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