‘From Comic to Canvas’, an exhibition of new works by Kaylene Whiskey.
Exhibition dates: 27 January – 25 February 2023
Opening reception: Friday, 27 January from 6-8pm
In Cher’s hit song ‘Believe’ (1998), her anthem to life after love and survival, she chants ‘Do you believe in life after love?’ followed by a refrain about the power of independence. Similarly, Kaylene Whiskey saturates her dazzling artworks with strong and resilient heroines such as Dolly Parton, Cat Woman, Wonder Woman, Tina Turner and even nuns and the biblical Mary. These fiercely feminine figures are an ode to self-determination and empowerment. Transposed to Indulkana, a remote Aboriginal led community in South Australia near the tri-state border, Whiskey’s strident femmes tell stories from the head and heart seamlessly melding traditional motifs with popular culture.
Whiskey’s joyful, sassy female characters are emblazoned across canvases of tiny multi coloured dots, cut-outs from Northern Territory tourist magazine, video stills and road signs. She creates harmony, love and fun by imbuing her vibrant oeuvre with ‘kunpu’ (woman) dancing, waving, singing and smiling surrounded by cupcakes, lollies, hearts and butterflies, coca cola bottles and gifts as well as ‘tjukurpa’ (ancestral stories) such as the ‘Kungkarangkapla’ (Seven Sisters) story about women who travel together and look after each other. –Excerpt from exhibition text by Natalie King OAM, 2023
‘From Comic to Canvas’ is Kaylene Whiskey’s third solo exhibition with Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery.
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