CAPTIVATING a large audience at the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) on March 5, celebrated Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba/Mutti Mutti/Boonwurrung artist Maree Clarke presented a compelling artist talk hosted by Kaiela Arts and SAM. Marking the beginning of Clarke’s involvement in the inaugural Kaiela Arts Project, the renowned multidisciplinary artist shared insights into her creative journey, offering the audience a deeper understanding of her art, cultural connections, and dedication to the community.
The Kaiela Arts Editions project, in collaboration with Melbourne-based screen-printing studio Spacecraft led by Stewart Russell, will produce a limited-edition artwork to celebrate local talent, foster pride within the Yorta Yorta community, and support Kaiela Arts, one of Victoria’s two First Nations art centres. Clarke’s involvement in this project highlights her ongoing commitment to the reclamation and revitalisation of southeastern Aboriginal cultural art practices.
With over 30 years of experience, Clarke is a pivotal figure in contemporary arts and First Nations cultural narratives. She is recognised both nationally and internationally for her work, which is developed from extensive research into the history of culturally significant traditional objects, and her cross-generational approach to reviving dormant cultural knowledge.
Kaiela Arts Cultural Projects Lead, Lyn Thorpe, said of Clarke’s participation in the inaugural project, “We’re excited to be part of this creative exchange with Maree. She is very generous in how she shares her knowledge and is well-known for her grassroots approach to historical research and cultural art.”
