William Barak (Beruk) William Barak, known as Beruk by his parents, was a pivotal figure in Australian Aboriginal art history and a staunch advocate for Indigenous rights. Born around September 1823 in Melbourne, Australia, he belonged to the Wurundjeri-willam clan, descendants of the original inhabitants of what is now Melbourne City. His life’s work became an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Victoria and cemented his plac…