Duncan Abey, December 12, 2023, The Mercury

Tasmanian Aboriginal artist and diehard basketball fan Reuben Oates said designing this year’s JackJumpers Indigenous Round jersey was, initially, a match made in heaven – but after controversy struck, he’s decided to sell the jerseys himself. Where you can get one.

Tasmanian Aboriginal artist and diehard basketball fan Reuben Oates said designing this year’s JackJumpers Indigenous Round jersey was, initially, a match made in heaven.

But the feel-good factor was to be short-lived for Mr Oates, after a backlash against his striking, dot-based design led the club to announce in late October that its players would not be wearing the jersey, and that replicas would be pulled from merchandise outlets.

Now, following what he describes as the worst six weeks of his life, Mr Oates has his bounce back after online sales of his limited-edition jersey went through the roof as soon he made them available just a few days ago.

“I have played competitive basketball for many years and to get the job with the JackJumpers was a perfect case of my two worlds colliding,” Mr Oates said.

“Now people are voting with their feet to support my jersey. The first night my website nearly burst into flames.

“It just shows the amazing support from the public. The response has been overwhelming, and there have been a lot of happy tears.”

Mr Oates said that he had never sought controversy through his art, and that his goal had always been to celebrate the Indigenous history of modern Tasmania in a respectful and inclusive manner.

Seeing his jersey design fly out the door allowed him to feel that the majority of JackJumpers fans were on his side and appreciated his artistic effort.

“At the end of the day, these jerseys are a representation of our Tasmanian Aboriginal culture,” Mr Oates said.

“Although they may be a contemporary expression, they are still a strong depiction of our past, emerging, rebirth, and growing culture.

“We just have to love each other and be kind to one another, and that’s my message as an artist.”

Mr Oates said while stocks were strictly limited, there were still a range of sizes available for both adults and youth shorts and jerseys.

As well as online sales through his website, Mr Oates will set up pop-up stores throughout this week including at the Willie Smith market this Saturday.