The Torch is proud to celebrate the latest commission by Wotjobaluk/Gunaikurnai artist Thomas ‘Marksey’ Marks who was selected by Arthritis Australia to create a thought-provoking artwork highlighting the impact of Gout, a common yet often overlooked form of arthritis, affecting 1 in 15 Australians.
Arthritis Australia is Australia’s leading national arthritis charity. They work with organisations across Australia to deliver information and support to people living with more than 100 types of arthritis.
In this striking new piece, Marskey depicts “two black feet” to symbolise Indigenous Australians affected by Gout, a condition caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. His limited but impactful colour palette adds depth and meaning to the artwork.
“Red is the primary colour we usually associate with pain. Three of the symptoms regarding Gout are redness, heat and swelling. Blue is the colour connected to healing once you have been diagnosed and prescribed medication to treat gout.”
Marksey is a Gunaikurnai man from Gippsland. Being one of many Stolen Generations children, he wasn’t able to grow up on his traditional Country. As an adult, he is now proudly reclaiming his Aboriginal identity through art.
Marksey developed a unique art style while in prison that won him two NAIDOC awards, resulting in his artworks being printed on the annual NAIDOC T-shirts. His artwork was featured in the ground-breaking exhibition, Blak In-Justice: Incarceration and Resilience presented in partnership with The Torch and Heide Museum of Modern Art in 2025.
Reflecting on his journey, Marksey shared, “Becoming an artist has changed me in so many ways. It has given me a better perspective and outlook on life and it has taught me to have patience; I guess it’s created a whole new world for me and has given me a lot more confidence in myself.”
This latest commission not only showcases Marksey’s talent, but also amplifies First Nations voices in health advocacy.
Interested in commissioning an artist from The Torch? Get in touch with our team via email artcoordinator@thetorch.org.au or call (03) 9042 1236.