Zara Brown is a proud Yorta Yorta woman and an emerging third-generation Indigenous artist whose creative practice is deeply grounded in family, culture, and connection to Country. Following in the footsteps of her father and great-grandfather, Clyde McGee, Zara continues a strong family tradition of artistic expression that celebrates identity, storytelling, and cultural heritage. Zara's artistic journey is shaped by a rich ancestral legacy. Her great-grandfather, Clyde McGee, spent his childhood on the Cummeragunja Aboriginal Mission along the Murray River before relocating to Tasmania in his early twenties. His life experiences, artwork, and cultural knowledge continue to inspire Zara's creative development and connection to her heritage. Born in Hobart, Tasmania, in 2012, Zara lived there until 2017 before moving to Boonwurrung Country in South Gippsland, Victoria, where she currently lives and creates. Her connection to both Tasmania and Boonwurrung Country has helped shape her understanding of identity, place, and belonging, providing inspiration for her artistic practice. Now a Year 8 student at Leongatha Marry Mackillop Catholic College, Zara balances her education with an increasing commitment to her art guided from a young age by both her father and great-grandfather, she developed a passion for drawing and painting and has a natural talent for visual storytelling. More recently, Zara has expanded her creative interests into digital art, particularly character design and illustration for stories she creates herself. Zara also studies Judo at Sang- Rok Judo club in Wonthaggi, she has trained with the Victorian State Team and competed at the Australian nationals in 2025. This year marks Zara's 5th NAIDOC Week exhibition. Through her artwork, she continues to express her pride in her culture, honour her family legacy, and contribute to the ongoing celebration and sharing of Indigenous stories through a new generation of artists.
