‘Crocodile Surrounded By Spirit’ - Les Huddleston

Artist - Les Huddleston

Title - 'Crocodile Surrounded By Spirit'

Method - Acrylic on Canvas

Size - 740 x 1000

Region - Roper River, East Arnhem Land

Date - 2011

Information about the artist -  

Les, born and raised near Penrith, NSW, has a deep connection to the land and his cultural roots. His family's journey is rooted in history, with his parents and older brother being relocated to Mulgoa Mission from Groote Eylandt following the bombing of Darwin in 1941 during World War II. This pivotal event shaped Les’ perspective on heritage and cultural identity.

In 1971, Les made the profound decision to return to Darwin, recognizing the importance of reconnecting with the land that his family had been dispossessed of. Seeking guidance and permission to paint from the Ngardi elders, Les began his career as an Indigenous artist. His family followed him back to Ngukurr the following year, further deepening their cultural ties.

Les is now an internationally recognised Aboriginal artist, celebrated for his powerful artwork and commitment to preserving his culture. With more than 35 years of experience as a Cultural Adviser, Les has helped bridge cultural gaps and preserve traditional knowledge for future generations.

Beyond his artistic accomplishments, Les is a master of the Didgeridoo, showcasing his talent at prestigious events such as the Rugby League World Cup Quarter Finals Opening Ceremony in Darwin (2017) and the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on the Gold Coast (2018). These performances have solidified his reputation as a key figure in Australian Indigenous culture.