Warrnambool | A City for Living

Kait James

Wadawurrung 1977

Kait James is a proud Wadawurrung artist whose work boldly challenges stereotypical representations of Indigenous culture, drawing from both her Indigenous and Anglo heritage. Through her art, she critiques and subverts the often narrow and homogenised depictions of Aboriginal identity in Australia, offering a deeper, more nuanced exploration of history, culture, and self-determination.

Since beginning her professional practice in 2018, Kait has mounted several solo exhibitions at prominent venues such as the Warrnambool Art Gallery, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Geelong Gallery, Neon Parc, and the Koorie Heritage Trust. In addition to her gallery shows, she has contributed to public art projects of various scales across Victoria, reinforcing her commitment to making art that engages the public in critical conversations.

Her work has garnered significant recognition, including winning Craft Victoria’s Emerging Artist Award and the Koorie Art Show’s Reconciliation Award in 2019. Kait’s work has been collected by leading institutions, including the National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Geelong Gallery, the Koorie Heritage Trust, as well as the Epworth Hospital Collection, Monash University Museum of Art, Murdoch University, Artbank, and numerous private collections.

Predominantly working with textiles, Kait’s practice is a vibrant fusion of techniques and themes. She incorporates fabric collage, embroidery, rug tufting, and engages with ‘Aboriginalia’, a concept she refers to which critiques the generalised and often commodified representations of Indigenous culture. By recontextualising kitsch souvenirs that historically diminish and stereotype Aboriginal identity, she transforms them into powerful statements laden with pop-cultural and political references. These elements challenge colonial conceptions of culture, questioning broader societal understanding and efforts to erase Indigenous knowledge in contemporary Australia.

While creating works that are provocative, critical and politically charged, Kait endeavours to navigate the ongoing effects of colonialism with optimism and humour, ultimately speaking of hope, resilience, and self-determination. By navigating injustices with a blend of with and warmth, her works speak to the enduring strength of Indigenous communities and the importance of reclaiming cultural narratives.

Ultimately, Kait’s art is not only an assertion of identity but also an invitation for dialogue. Through her creative practice, she continues to push boundaries, encouraging audiences to confront uncomfortable histories while also recognising the beauty and resilience that persists in the face of adversity.