Bio and CV

David Doyle is a Barkindji/Malyangapa man based in Broken Hill, NSW.

His family is from the Menindee region of the Baaka, or Darling River. Following the traditions of his mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Doyle is an emerging carver and artist. He makes carved emu eggs, mussel shell jewellery, and wooden objects including bowls and sculptures.
Doyle also is a knowledge holder of Barkindji bush medicines and edible plants. He produces medicinal lotions, tinctures and soaps using these same medicines.

Doyle explains: ‘I use materials from the Baaka in most of my sculptures because I’m making something that’s part of myself, part of my culture and my history’.

Experience

Art practice since 2018 - current

Self-taught in sculpture

Mediums –

Local timbers collected from naturally fallen trees, repurposed animal/bird/mollusc remains including Fresh-water shell, turtle shell and bone.
Recycled metal sculpture incorporating animal/bird/mollusc remains and glass
Emu egg carving
Artefact making

Cultural education Practice

Taught by community elders; both male and female

Knowledge holder and teacher of Barkindji medicinal and edible plants
Producer of medicinal lotions and soaps utilizing traditional Barkindji medicines
2020 – 2023
Teaching cultural skills at Menindee Central School and art mentor
2020
Boomerang making workshop
2018 – current
Cultural discussion and education (multiple) at Broken Hill Royal Flying Doctor Service
2023 - current
Tourism owner and operator
Wontanella

Relevant information

Barkindji Native Title board of Directors group PBC
Proxy member – Kinchega NP elders committee
West Darling Art advisory council member
Book of poetry release 2021 as part of Darling Baaka project

Past art exhibitions

2019 - Maari Ma Indigenous arts runner up
2019 - Pro Hart outback indigenous art prize finalist
2019 - “Fresh Bark” exhibition 2019 Regional art gallery
2020 Emu egg carving demonstration as part of untitled (maraong manaóuwi)- Hyde Park Barracks
2020 – Outback Archie's winner in 3D category
2020 – Darling Barka projects exhibition West Darling Arts
2021 - Recipient of mentorship with Cementa
2021 - 'Emu Sky' exhibition at University of Melbourne
2021 - web-based documentary “Outback carvers”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4suoHZrak-c&t=11s
2021 – finalist in Blacktown city Art prize
2022 – Canoe making workshop - Biennale of Sydney: Rivus
2022 - Emu Sky exhibition at University of Melbourne
2022 - Cementa RAMP exhibition at Firstdraft gallery
2022 - Artist in Residence with West Darling Arts and Broken Hill City Art Gallery
2022 – Finalist Pro hart Outback art award
2022 – People’s choice Pro Hart Outback art award
2023 - ngaratya (together, us group, all in this together) (Currently travelling)
https://www.ngaratya.com.au/
2023 - "GLAMfest" Residency at Broken Hill Regional art gallery
2023 - Curation of "Shades of Blak" Broken Hill City Art Gallery
2023 - "Pangala - coming home" project with the CAD factory, DPIE Fisheries NSW, National Museum of Australia
2023 - Connecting to Country panel discussion - Australian Museum
2023 - Art activation in conjunction with opening of Uncle Badger Bates and Justine Muller exhibition "Barka; the forgotten river "
2023 - Winner Maari Ma Indigenous art award
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Upcoming exhibitions and projects

Plant identification and usage guide currently in progress
2024 - Family group Broken Hill city art gallery exhibition
2024 - Solo exhibition at Stockroom in Kyneton Victoria