Norton Fredericks / retritus is an interdisciplinary visual artist whose work delves into the complex intersections of identity and ecology. Based on Kombumerri Country (Gold Coast), they draw inspiration from the geographical memories of the land, exploring how environmental factors interact with and shape materiality. Their creative practice spans across a wide range of mediums, including fibre, textiles, metals, pottery, and photography. 

This diversity of artistic approach is showcased in the Town Square Vitrine Gallery as Norton examines intersectionality from both Indigenous and queer perspectives. They fuse ancient crafts with contemporary concerns as historical and pre-industrial techniques are predominantly used. This public art installation serves as a vibrant platform for connecting to a wider community—centering queer, Indigenous voices and stories, inviting dialogue, and shared cultural expression through a lens of resistance, identity, and belonging.

‘Extremophiles’ includes organically formed sculptures created from smoked terracotta. These sculptures are inspired by deep sea hydrothermal vents, which occur on volcanically active and divergent plate boundaries; these vents are categorised as either white, or black ‘smokers’. These deep sea vents create difficult environments for extremophile communities to survive in, drawing parallels to the intersectional queer experience. These vessels explore and honor the ongoing resilience of minorities within the face of adversity. 

The handmade patchwork textile entitled 'Nature is Queer isn't it ...Yes',  invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of difference and the interconnectedness of all living things. Nature does not exist within the colonial binaries of gender, sex, and sexuality. There is not a single country that was colonised by the British that does not have a lasting legacy of homophobia. LGBTQIASB+ communities have existed since time immemorial and this quilt honors those who came before us, those in the community now, and our future leaders. Stitched together using natural materials which contain the imprint of nature in its cloth, this work speaks to queer ecologies and celebrates the diversity and fluidity of identities and relationships in both human and other living organisms. 

'Riversilk' is an intricate fabric infused with the story of place. It begins as silk soaked in the waters at the base of Mt Tamborine, where it absorbs minerals from underground aquifers. The silk is then laid to rest in a dry creek bed, where wet ochre is poured over it, allowing the pigment to settle naturally into the contours of the Earth. The silk is then bundled with local native plants. Using heat and pressure, their natural dyes are drawn out to colour the cloth. The fabric is then stripped and knitted, not with needles, but with the artist’s own arms.

This piece carries both the essence of the land and the presence of the artist. It is a tangible expression of our deep, inseparable connection to nature.

In conclusion, Norton Fredericks’ work is a powerful testament to the resilience and beauty found at the intersections of identity, land, and ecology. Through deeply embodied practices and admiration for Country, their art honors the enduring presence of queer and Indigenous communities while inviting us to reimagine our relationships with each other and the environment. As seen in the Town Square Vitrine Gallery, Norton’s work not only challenges colonial narratives, but also creates space for healing, visibility, and belonging.

Norton Fredericks’ artworks were on display in the Town Square Vitrines from the 25th of March to the 12th of May, 2025. https://retritus.com/ 

Special thanks to Prue and Aria Property Group for the opportunity to showcase First Nations artwork in the Fish Lane Arts Precinct. https://explorefishlane.com.au/ 

Photography by Joe Ruckli, 2025.

Written by Makayla Dass, 2025.