A powerful Father’s Day tribute honouring the strength, love, and legacy of father figures, told through the eyes of proud Bundjalung, Yuggera, and Bidjara artist Steven Bekue. This collection marks Steven’s second Father’s Day collaboration with Yarn, following his Deadly Dads debut in 2023. That same love and spirit now flows through Our Protectors:
“Our Protectors represents the deep and sacred responsibility that comes with fatherhood. It tells the story of guidance, protection, and respect - values passed down through generations and deeply rooted in Aboriginal culture.” - Steven Bekue
Steven Bekue was born and raised on the Gold Coast, where he now raises his own family, and runs Bundjalung Dreaming to share his love of Country, art, and culture with the world.
“Being a Saltwater man and growing up on the coastal lands of the Bundjalung Nation, I always feel the spiritual connection to the saltwater, and it gives me healing when I’m close to it. What inspired me to begin painting was watching my family members create amazing pieces of Indigenous artwork and I always had a passion for art. My love for art wasn't only because of the strong passion for my Aboriginal culture, it also gives me healing and coping mechanisms to express myself through my artwork. It makes me so happy to be able to teach people about our culture, keeping it strong and alive.”
“This artwork honours our fathers and all father figures - our protectors, our teachers, our strength. Our Protectors represents the deep and sacred responsibility that comes with fatherhood. It tells the story of guidance, protection, and respect - values passed down through generations and deeply rooted in Aboriginal culture. At the heart of this piece is the journey of a child through four life stages: newborn, young child, teenager, and adulthood. Through each stage, the presence of a strong father figure remains constant - showing up every day, leading by example, and walking alongside us with love and wisdom. The eagle, a powerful symbol in our culture, soars above, watching over us. It represents the protector spirit - seeing far, guiding us, and reminding us to stay connected to our identity and responsibilities. Surrounding this journey is the strength of family, and the vital connection to Culture, Country, and Waterways - foundations that ground us and give us purpose. As we learn the ways of culture, we learn who we are and who we must become - not just for ourselves, but for the next generation. This piece is a tribute to the love, honour, and legacy of our protectors - and the sacred path they help us walk.”