Hear Wadawurrung artist Kait James speak about her artworks inside exhibition Wurrdha Marra alongside NGV Senior Curator of First Nations Art, Dr Jessica Clark this NAIDOC Week.
In her practice Kait asks questions relating to self, perception and the collective lack of knowledge of Indigenous culture and community, exploring her identity as an Australian woman with Indigenous and Anglo heritage. Utilising punch needling techniques, James embroiders found materials such as souvenir tea towels that reference colonial settlement, subverting their original message with contemporary Indigenous imagery and references relating to language, native title and authenticity.
About the artist
Since beginning her professional practice in 2018, Kait has presented solo exhibitions at prominent venues including the Warrnambool Art Gallery, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Geelong Gallery, Neon Parc, and the Koorie Heritage Trust. Alongside her exhibition practice, she has delivered public art projects of varying scales across Victoria, reflecting her commitment to creating work that fosters critical dialogue and public engagement.
Her work is held in the collections of the Koorie Heritage Trust, Geelong Gallery, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Monash University Museum of Art, and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Her exhibition Red Flags is currently touring nationally with NETS Victoria.
