Indigenous artwork connects Custodians with Air Force
The official artwork for Exercise Pitch Black has been unveiled in the Northern Territory, showcasing the deep cultural connections between the Air Force and the traditional custodians of Larrakia Country, as well as the Jawoyn, Wardaman and Dagoman peoples of the Katherine region.
Created by Katherine-based Gurindji artist Kamahi King, this striking piece draws on the rich cultural heritage of the Northern Territory, reflecting its ancestral stories, Country, animals and the people who have cared for it for generations.
The painting features vibrant depictions of a golden kangaroo, vivid red gorges and a vast blue sky.
Mr King explained that like Pitch Black, the artwork represents diverse forces coming together beneath the expansive Australian sky. It symbolises the meeting of two nations, while honouring an enduring connection to Country.
Significant to the Katherine region
“The painting symbolises the joining of the desert and the river. It is two nations coming together. The gold kangaroo shows its significance both to my people and the Air Force,” Mr King said.
The colours and patterns throughout the artwork represent animals and locations that are significant to the Katherine region.
“The blue sky and river form the belly of a crocodile, while the pattern on the gorge represents the desert,” Mr King said.
A high-quality reproduction of the artwork will be presented to each of the 19 participating nations as a symbol of friendship and a shared commitment to regional security.
The unveiling and presentation of the artwork highlights the important role Indigenous perspectives play in Defence activities.
The original artwork will remain in the Northern Territory as a lasting legacy of Pitch Black.
Air Commodore Matthew McCormack addresses the participants of Exercise Pitch Black 26 in Darwin.
What is Exercise Pitch Black?
Exercise Pitch Black returns to the Top End from July 20 to 7 August, creating an opportunity for over 100 aircraft and personnel from 21 allied and partner nations to exercise together, and strengthen regional and global interoperability.
This is the Royal Australian Air Force’s largest international exercise featuring complex, combat-like scenarios across one of the largest military training areas in the world over a three-week period.
Alongside the exercise the Northern Territory community will once again have the opportunity to see participating aircraft in the air and on the ground, and meet military personnel from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States
These opportunities will be at the two free community events, starting with the Mindil Beach Flying Display on Thursday 23 July, followed by the RAAF Darwin Open Day on Saturday 1 August.
