Richard was a leader in the first group of urban Indigenous artists whose work provided a means of expression during the lead up to the 1988 Bicentenary of white Australian settlement. During this time, Richard focused on challenging non-Indigenous artists who appropriated Indigenous imagery in their work and the perceived notions of traditional and modern Indigenous art. His work also addresses contemporary issues such as religion, art and politics. Richard’s works examine the historical treatment of Aboriginal people after European settlement and express his response to issues of oppression, frustration and discrimination. From the Message Stick series.