Autumn exhibition opens at Kaiela Arts

By Natasha Fujimoto

IN a telling and remarkable exhibition this Autumn, Kaiela Arts is proud to present Yenbenal Woka , Where People and Country Become One.

Launched as a part of this year’s Shepparton Festival, the exhibition opened last night, Tuesday March 21, and has brought together a collection of new contemporary works and displays reflecting the timelessness of connections between People and Country.

This is conveyed in the exhibition statement, “Ancestral stories, spirit, knowledge and histories run deep and intersect across Country, Skies, Rivers, Creeks...everything is connected...this is our Spirit, our Nanyak, our Creation, this is who we are...a timeless dimension, a place where People and Country become one.”

Paying homage to ancestors, ancient knowledge systems in contemporary form and bringing stories and Country to life with creative practices and techniques the exhibition showcases new solo works from Brett Wilson, ceramics from

2022 Kaiela artist in residence, Kirsten Perry.

Just one of the many highlights in Yenbenal Woka are the exquisite works created by Posca pens created by artists Tammy-Lee Atkinson, Suzanne Atkinson, Rochelle Patten Frances Nicholson, Cynthia Hardie, Laurel Robinson, Amy Briggs, Wendy –Sue Atkinson, April Atkinson, Cheryl-Lee Nicholson and many more.

Created by Kaiela artists, the vibrant Posca pen works, featuring acrylic backgrounds share a unique story or reflection of Yenebenal Woka.

Artist and Kaiela project manager, Tammy-Lee Atkinson said of her captivating piece entitled, Woka, “The painting represents the growth of trees and what is to come over the years, it also reflects rebirth, the past, present and the future.”

Yenbenal Woka is exhibiting at Kaiela Arts at the Shepparton Art Museum precinct from Wednesday, March 22 - Monday May 22, 2023, with an exhibition launch on Tuesday, March 21 from 6pm-8pm.

REFLECTING STORIES... of Yenbenal Woka, or where People and Country become one, the new, autumn exhibition at Kaiela Arts opened yesterday, Tuesday, March 21. Pictured are a selection of works created by Kaiela artists who have used Posca pens on an acrylic background to tell unique, ancestral stories. In the centre of the top row is artist Tammy-Lee Atkinson’s piece entitled, Woka, which represents the growth of trees and what is to come over the years.

Photo: Natasha Fujimoto