Uncle Chris Thorne is an Aboriginal artist living in the bush near Lima, Victoria, and is well known throughout the Benalla region for his paintings — a practice he learnt, and is still learning, from his Elders. Uncle Chris’ work tells of Dreamtime stories that have been shared with him over the years by his Elders. He is a lost child, as he was taken at birth and adopted. He does not know his mob but has been adopted by many mobs due to his thirst for knowledge, connection and activism as an Aboriginal man. The bush is a constant source of inspiration in his work. Through his art, Uncle Chris expresses both his connection to Country and his personal journey of identity, belonging, and finding his way home. Uncle Chris has been completely inspired by the young fellas he is working with on this project due to their commitment to learn and to deepen their knowledge and connections to Country.

Over many years, Uncle Chris has contributed to numerous large-scale community art projects, including murals on shopfronts, schools, and community organisations. He has also had the honour of learning from and working alongside respected Elder Uncle Wally Cooper on mural projects that celebrate culture, story, and community.

Since 2024, Uncle Chris has been a mentor with the Tomorrow Today’s Anganya program which supports Benalla’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Through his art and mentorship, Uncle Chris continues to share stories, foster cultural understanding, and inspire the next generation. The young Aboriginal artists collaborating with Uncle Chris are: Bryan Norman, 18, Chantay Norman 15, Shanaih Eriha-Norman 13, Jobe Stovell 16, Indi Stovell 16, Haylee Coats 12.

This project has been supported by the Tomorrow Today Foundation.