Jandamarra Cadd is a Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung descendant, an acclaimed portrait artist, and a deeply generous storyteller whose work is grounded in care, connection, and truth. With a warm and intuitive presence, he brings people together through art that is both vibrant and emotionally resonant. His expressive portraiture carries stories of identity, resilience, and belonging, creating gentle but powerful bridges between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australia.

Jandamarra’s work has been recognised at the highest level of Australian portraiture. He has been a finalist in every major national portrait prize, including the Archibald Prize, notably for his portrait of the late Uncle Archie Roach. His illustrations have appeared in numerous publications, extending his storytelling beyond the canvas and into everyday life.

In recognition of his profound contribution to community and culture, Jandamarra was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in the Creative Industries in 2018. He also made history as the first and only Aboriginal artist in over 100 years to be commissioned by Parliament House, where he created a portrait of Nova Peris OAM, the first Aboriginal woman elected to the Australian Federal Parliament.

Beyond his visual practice, Jandamarra is a much-loved and inspiring speaker who has travelled across Australia and internationally, sharing stories of connection to Country and the loving responsibility of custodianship that comes with it. With compassion and honesty, he speaks about healing from the deep wounds left by colonisation, genocide, and forced separation from natural and cultural Law, and from the intergenerational trauma that continues to be carried today.

Through both his art and his voice, Jandamarra leads with kindness, humility, and strength. His work invites reflection, understanding, and hope, offering spaces where listening, healing, and shared humanity can gently unfold.