How extraordinary is this portrait of Gerry Terati Lyons, aka G-Man? Painted by retired meteorologist Adam Jarcuczius for the Archibald Prize, G-Man’s involvement in the First Nations media sector includes as General Manager of CAAMA Radio and 3KND Kool ‘N’ Deadly.
In an interview with Ngaarda Media, Jarcuczius said of the experience:
“There’s something truly genuine about how Gerry asked me questions.”
That connection allowed him to capture Lyon’s true spirit as well as appearance.
As soon as I saw this image today it took my breath away. I met G-Man at last year’s CBAA conference on the Gold Coast but didn’t catch his name. After the CBAA Awards were over and I’d finally uploaded everything I was one of the last to leave the large event space and had been given a gentle nudge by those trying to clear up to be on my way.
There were two men left. One was G-Man and the other, from a different background and station, was in an animated discussion with him. They too had had the nudge from staff to leave and the two shared this giant bear hug. I just stopped and watched them.
G-Man saw me and beckoned me over. I apologised for intruding and said this private moment seemed to embody everything good about community, radio and giving. G-Man said something along the lines of that there was always space for one more in a hug of friendship and connection.
And so we did. And that moment moves me still. He is everything embodied in Adam’s painting, and more.
Jen Seyderhelm is a writer, editor and podcaster.