Artist Talks
Artist talks provide an opportunity to connect with artists and hear about their artwork, they are a profound and memorable way to engage with the rich tapestry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Agnes Wotton Jnr | solo exhibition
Agnes Wotton’s self-titled exhibition conveys the essence of her home, the remote Aboriginal community of Palm Island. With a rich affinity for colour and exceptional precision, Agnes paints flora and fauna showcasing the island’s unique landscape.
Capturing the slight movements within the Great Barrier Reef, Sea Anemone relates to inner peace. The repetition within her work allows Agnes to focus and strip away any negativity. “I am submerged into the silence and art is a way of helping me with everyday life.” Agnes also speaks of her son as a source of inspiration.
Her signature Sea Anemone paintings have gained wide recognition with Agnes winning the People's Choice Award at the annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair back in 2020.
Also inspired by her son, her butterfly paintings are symbolic of spiritual transformation, illustrating the process of healing after hurt. Because of this spiritual connotation, the butterfly is reminiscent of joy. The theme of healing is common throughout all of Agnes’ paintings.
On Palm Island the whales visit once a year to the warm waters with their calves. Within the artworks Whale Dreaming CrossHatch, the zig-zag design is representative of the ocean alongside the vibrant hues of the sunset. Agnes’ simplict lens as well as her distinctive cross-hatching technique offers a glimpse into how Country continues to inspire her and her art practice.
Agnes communicates her personal connection with flora through her representations of both the Water Lily and the Waratah plants. Both of these plants relate to the concept of rebirth, and new beginnings. Agnes states that these plants are associated with women’s business. Her journey with her religion is also integrated throughout the works, “Even though it is not from our Country here (on Palm Island), it is significant to me through the Baha'i faith.” These paintings symbolise a new religion, as well as a new chapter of life.
Agnes speaks about her dream of one day having both a gallery and a communal studio space on the island where she and other people within the community can continue to use art as a form of healing and cultural resilience. As each artwork evokes a sense of closeness to Agnes’ heart and home, her self-tilted exhibition becomes an atmosphere of warmth within the bustling city of Maganjin/Meeanjin.
‘Agnes Wotton Jnr’ is on display until the 27 October 2024.
Aboriginal Art Co at 89 Grey Street, South Bank, Brisbane.
Blog written by Makayla Dass, 2024