Colina Wymarra, winner of the Remote Artist Award during last year’s Queensland Regional Art Awards (QRAAs), is set to showcase two solo exhibitions in Brisbane this September. Her exhibitions, Bloodlines and Seasonal Bloodlines, will be held at the Judith Wright Art Centre and The Atrium at the University of Queensland, respectively.
Bloodlines, running from 6th to 20th September at the Judith Wright Art Centre, will delve into Wymarra’s cultural identity. This exhibition highlights her heritage as a Gudang/Yadhaykenu Woman from Cape York and a Dauareb/Komet Woman from Mer Island in the Torres Strait. Meanwhile, Seasonal Bloodlines, on display from 9th to 16th September at The Atrium, University of Queensland, will explore Wymarra’s cultural heritage through the lens of seasonal changes.
Wymarra’s artwork aims to provide a narrative which challenges mainstream depictions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories. She uses mediums such as acrylic on canvas and ceramics hoping to express the intricacies and beauty of her identity, providing a deeply personal and cultural perspective. The exhibitions are also a tribute to Wymarra’s parents, Kaunur Wymarra (née Maza) and Ted Wymarra, who have been significant influences in her work. While not directly featuring their likenesses, her pieces symbolically capture their essence through the depiction of Family and Tribal Totems.
In discussing her work, Wymarra shared:
I wanted to show the observer who I am and how richly intricate my identity is. The stories of my people have been fragmented and ‘whitewashed’ throughout time. I hope this exhibition will take you through a journey of the celebrated identity of my people and…me,
My seasons are guided by the wisdom of my ancestors, who taught me the importance of respect and preservation. These stories from my bloodlines encapsulate my spirit and guide my art. I hope to take visitors on a journey through my cultural seasons, from the far east of the Torres Strait (Mer Island) to the tip of Cape York.
Born on Thursday Island, Wymarra began her artistic journey at the age of nine, inspired by the works of Albert Namatjira. Her art has been exhibited across Australia, including at UMI Arts in Cairns and through representation by the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island. Later this year, one of her pieces will be featured in a book by international publisher Simon & Schuster.
The Bloodlines exhibition will be held at the Judith Wright Art Centre from 6th to 20th September 2024, open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Meanwhile, Seasonal Bloodlines will take place at The Atrium, University of Queensland, from 9th to 16th September 2024, with opening hours from Monday to Friday, 7 am to 7 pm.
