Edward Blitner

Aboriginal Artist

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Edward Blitner – Aboriginal Artist

Edward Blitner is an Aboriginal artist, who specialises in Painting and carving. He was born in December 1961 in the town of Katherine in the Northern Territory. Eddie first discovered his love of painting and carving when he was about 7 years old. He was taught by his grandfather (Frederick Blitner) who would create bark paintings using natural ochres, along with woodworks such as carvings, Didgeridoo’s, boomerangs, ceremonial relics, spears, flint spear heads and many other pieces. His style, although extremely unique in its own right, is a style of painting unique to the Aboriginal Artist from Arnhem Land and the Top End of Australia, a method using cross hatched lines. This style is known as “Wraak”. Edward also specialises in a specific version of Wraak, which he has named the “ 3D X-ray” method. Edwards bloodline originates from South East Arnhem land, Along the roper river. His tribes are the Marra and Alawa tribe. Certain Wraak designs are specific to certain family groups and are considered sacred, in the same way certain Tartan patterns would be specific to a certain Scottish clan for example.

Edward Blitner-Watts

Traditional indigenous arts

Eddie’s introduction to the traditional Aboriginal arts, along with his education. Began by watching his grandfather prepare the barks and mixing the ochre paints. Sometimes his grandfather would allow him to paint the borders or background of the bark paintings, this was the beginning of his amazing career. Eddie spent most of his life learning many of the traditional skills he incorporates in his work today. Such as how to survive on the land by hunting, fishing, tracking, the use of medicinal plants and much more. Edward continuously evolves his style and understanding of his creative artistry, allowing for continued growth and inspiring broader dialogue and exposure to his amazing work. Eddie Blitner-Watts has cemented his position as one of the premiere practitioners of Aboriginal artworks in Australia and has the public recognition and accolades to prove it. He has won many competitions and art awards that give merit to his reputation and artistic prowess. His artworks have been and are still seen in galleries, exhibition, in hotels, businesses and convention centres. Not only nationally but across the globe.

Exhibitions

  • 2009, “Rock Spirits”, Central Art – Aboriginal Art Store, Alice Springs (online).
  • 2000, “Love Magic Exhibtion”, Katherine Art Gallery (held at the Australian Trust), Sydney, NSW.
  • 1999, “Spirits of the Dreaming”, Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW.
  • 1998, 15th annual National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award Exhibition, Darwin.

Awards

  • 1999, “First Prize”, Barunga Aboriginal Cultural Festival.
  • 1998, Australia Aids Magazine “Blue Bell”.
  • 1998, Selected Entrant, 15th annual National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, Darwin.

Edward Blitner-Watts – Indigenous Artist - Artwork for sale