'Tall Poppy' - Acrylic on Canvas - by Dwayne Wannamarra Wyndier Andrew Kennedy

This vibrant and uplifting work offers a powerful reinterpretation of Australia's 'Tall Poppy' syndrome. Rather than tearing down success, the artist celebrates hard-won achievement as a force that elevates an entire community, a story told through bold colour and joyful expression.

Collection: Continuity Collection
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 100 x 80 x 2 cm (approx. 39 x 31.5 in.)
Year: 2025

Story & Narrative Significance

The concept of the 'Tall Poppy' holds a strong, often complicated, cultural meaning in Australia, typically referring to the tendency to cut down those who have achieved great success. In this masterful work, Dwayne Wannamarra Wyndier Andrew Kennedy flips that narrative on its head.

Here, the central figure rises high not in isolation, but actively supported and uplifted by the family and community that surrounds them. It is a joyful vision of shared success, where trust and pleasure are the fruits of a collective effort. The vibrant palette and expressive forms communicate a profound sense of optimism, arguing that true achievement does not create division, but rather raises everyone together.

This piece offers a profound and hopeful commentary on Australian culture, making it a significant work for collectors interested in contemporary social narratives and art that inspires.