Aboriginal art curator Djon Mundine hasn’t had a haircut in 25 years, and his character is as colourful as his eye for art.

The dreadlocked Mr Mundine said he wants to shatter the stereotype that Aboriginal art is a sea of dots as he unveiled the Parliament of New South Wales Aboriginal Art Prize 2009 exhibition at the Rockhampton Art Gallery on Friday.

The exhibition, which includes 40 works by NSW-born Aboriginal artists, is making its debut outside of the state.

Now in its sixth year, the annual art prize looks to increase the profile of indigenous artists and to show the various stories and histories of NSW Aborigines. A lot of people think Aboriginal art is only dots, he said.

He said there were many stories and history which were expressed through the many styles and forms.

The finalists’ works are displayed at NSW Parliament House in Sydney and the winners are decided by two prominent culturally involved indigenous Australians.