Bloodlines - Solo Exhibition by Colina Wymarra at the Judith Wright Art Centre

Explore ‘Remote Artist Award’ Winner Colina Wymarra solo exhibition at the Judith Wright Art Centre from the 6th – 20th of September 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. 

Image: Courtesy of the artist.