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Explore ‘Remote Artist Award’ Winner Colina Wymarra solo exhibition at the Judith Wright Art Centre from the 6th September – 4th October 2024.

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

I wanted to show the observer who I am and how richly intricate MY IDENTITY is as a Gudang/Yadhaykenu Woman from Cape York, as well as a Dauareb/Komet Woman from Mer Island in the Torres Strait.  The stories of my people are not known in the mainstream – meaning the way I can tell it. These stories have been fragmented and somewhat “whitewashed” throughout time.  Hence, the physical layout of this exhibition, from canvases to ceramics I hope, will take you through a journey of the celebrated identity of my people and…ME.

I have purposely used acrylics on canvas as well as ceramics in this body of work. Artistic influences for me throughout this body of work are not those that you would expect – but rather they are my mother “Kaunur Wymarra” (nee Maza) and my father “Ted Wymarra”. My mother and father inspired me to celebrate daily the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – me. 

In saying this, the introduction pieces to this body of work, although not direct portraits of my mother and father, the two pieces are exactly that – Ted and Kay Wymarra.  My mother and father have both passed away, but I can continually celebrate them and who they made me to be as I present them through their Family/Tribal Totems. My father and mother continue to live in me through these Totems.

ABOUT COLINA WYMARRA

Colina was Born in Thursday Island and is the daughter of Edward Wymarra (a Gudang Yadhaykenu Mam from Cape York and Kaunur Wymarra (nee Maza) (a Dauareb Komet Woman from Mer Island in the Torres Strait. 

Colina loves to work across a few mediums such as acrylics/canvas, ceramic plates, and silks. Colina also has an interest in realism with graphite. 

Colina has been interested in art from as young as nine-years old where she first inspired by Albert Namatjira. 

Colina has had work at UMI arts in the Summer Exhibition Nov 2023 as well as recently signing up with Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island as an Artist. 

Another piece of Colina’s work has recently been picked up by International Publishing House Simon and Schulster for an upcoming book later on this year.  

Colina hopes that the story of her people will be told through her art to audiences throughout the world. 

ABOUT NPA ART CENTRE

Colina is also represented by the NPA Art Centre. The NPA (Northern Peninsula Area, Cape York) Art Centre located in New Mapoon serves as a vibrant community space dedicated to fostering creativity and understanding through various workshops and programs since 2013. It serves the 5 communities of the NPA and hosts art and cultural workshops dedicated to serve the Torres Strait and Aboriginal cultures that make the NPA a special place. The NPA Art Centre promotes greater awareness and appreciation for diverse artistic expressions, allowing participants to explore different perspectives, develop new skills, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Through its initiatives, the NPA Art Centre serves as a hub for cultural exchange, artistic innovation, and community building. Whether it’s through hands-on art-making sessions, artist-led discussions, or collaborative projects, the Centre plays a crucial role in enhancing the community’s engagement and appreciation of art and culture.

The art centre has just participated in the Country to Couture fashion program in Darwin and is proud to see Colina Wymarra winning the Indigenous remote artist award and exhibiting her works at the Judith Wright centre and the QU Atrium in Brisbane city. The hope is that this will inspire the next generation to follow their dreams.

Image: Courtesy of the artist.

BROCHURE