The KLF (Koorie Liberation Front)
2023
Medium
wool, acrylic, printed cotton, cotton (thread), synthetic (felt), synthetic (lamé), metallic thread, plastic, synthetic polymer paint and fibre-tipped pen on canvas
Measurements
(a-c) 161.1 × 483.4 cm (overall)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, Victorian Foundation for Living Australian Artists, 2023
Tom Ross 2023
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
Kait James explores ideas relating to identity, misunderstanding and untruths about Aboriginal culture and communities. The KLF (Koori Liberation Front) is a continuation of James’s exploration of kitsch ‘Australiana’ tea towels and found materials, combining printmaking, collage, punch needling, embroidery and rug-tufting techniques. The work unfolds across three linked panels, punctuated by the words ‘JUSTIFIED’ and ‘ANCIENT’, the artist reckoning with a long history of attempted cultural erasure and misconceptions about Australian First Nations peoples. Known for her bold colour palette, layered materiality and approach to art making, James navigates ongoing colonial injustices in her signature style, imbued with optimism and humour.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Melbourne, Victoria
Inscription
(a) inscribed in fibre-tipped pen on reverse l.r.: Kait James 2023
(b) inscribed in fibre-tipped pen on reverse c.r.: Kait James 2023
inscribed in fibre-tipped pen on reverse l.r.: 23/3/2023
(c) inscribed in fibre-tipped pen on reverse u.r.: Kait James 2023
Accession Number
2023.196.a-c
Department
First Nations Australia