Ancestral Gaze by Xavier Pinard is a series of large-scale charcoal on paper portraits of indigenous people from different parts of the world.

In this body of work, Pinard explores the “gaze” of these different people and how this communicates their strength, pride and sense of belonging to their unique culture and country.

Pinard is a Yackandandah-based artist best known for his play sculptures and public artworks. He has also had a professional career as an acrobatic high diver. In creating these drawings, Pinard has rediscovered the joy of drawing with charcoal after a 30-year hiatus.

Pinard left his homeland of France to settle in Australia. As someone who has left and disconnected from their birthplace, he has great admiration for, and a fascination with, the relationship that exists between a person and their country – one that is anchored in reciprocity and respect.