Former Geelong and Western Bulldogs player Nathan Djerrkura is nervous.

The 26-year-old has been in the middle of the MCG with his heart and mind racing before 80,000 fans, but nothing has prepared him for this.

“My paintings are a story of my life, my home, my family and country.” – Nathan Djerrkura

Djerrkura is about to launch his first solo art exhibition in Geelong.

“It’s pretty much the same feeling as running onto the MCG with 80,000 people watching,” Djerrkura told aflplayers.com.au.

“There won’t be quite that many people at the exhibition, but it’s still pretty nerve-wracking.”

Djerrkura is Courthouse Youth Arts’ newly-appointed Artist in Residence.

He will be showing his collection of works, titled Buymarr, during National Reconciliation Week from May 27 to June 9.

Having retired from the AFL in 2012, Djerrkura returned to his homeland in Gove, in Arnhem Land, where his passion for painting was reignited.

“I have been lucky enough to grow up in two worlds. I have combined the knowledge of my ancestral background and what I have learnt in the city on canvas,” he said.

“My paintings are a story of my life, my home, my family and country.”

The Buymarr exhibition will be on display in the CHYA Gallery from May 27 to June 9