Harold Bowen

Dhubbi Warra Clan / Guugu Yimithirr _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Harold is a proud member of the Dhubbi Warra Clan, deeply connected to his linguistic heritage, which is rooted in the Guugu Yimithirr language. His spiritual totems include the majestic Dingo, the striking Black Cockatoo, and the graceful River Dhubbi Palms, each symbolizing essential aspects of his cultural identity. Growing up in an artistic household, Harold was influenced by his parents’ creativity. His mother skillfully wrote and illustrated books, while his father crafted intricate artifacts and harvested didgeridoos during his weekends. This artistic upbringing has profoundly shaped Harold’s own work, which beautifully melds traditional themes with contemporary perspectives.
In 2009, Harold began to paint for himself, drawing inspiration from the support provided by his family, friends, cousins, and his brother Shane Gibson, a talented artist in his own right from Hopevale. Harold has a deep and abiding love for colors, often expressing, “Colors are everywhere around us in nature. From the moment I open my eyes until I close them, colors remain in my dreams.” This passion for color fuels his creative process, allowing him to translate the beauty he sees in the world into his artwork.