Castlemaine Contemporary Art Space is currently featuring an exhibition of works by talented local Indigenous artist Arkeria Armstrong.
The artist said her latest show was called Yilambu.
“I am a Gamilaraay woman. In our language Yilambu means ‘long ago’. Gamilaraay country is in northwest New South Wales,” she said.
Arkeria said she wanted to share her culture through art.
“The exhibition shows a range of acrylic on canvas pieces that explores the themes of Country, Identity and Relationships,” she said.
“My painting style has been developed through learning from both my maternal grandmother (Gamilaraay) and paternal grandfather. (Yorta Yorta). They both used different styles for creating art from a traditional perspective,” the artist said.
“It is with the roots of understanding culture that I now move to tell my story in a contemporary style. It is my connection and feelings that are intertwined with stories that can be seen within the lines, strokes and dots layered on the canvas.
“Each piece tells a different story with a range of themes. I hope that people can see how showing culture through art is a healing force that connects past and present.”
Arkeria was born in Ceduna, the last major town before the Nullarbor Plain, and travelled the length and breadth of the country with her prospecting parents, eventually settling down in Bendigo and starting a family of her own with partner Chris. They now live in Castlemaine.
Her work is also featured in collections in Kununurra and Amsterdam.
Arkeria will be at the CASPA gallery on Tuesdays (except today due to lockdown), Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays to chat to guests keen to learn further insights about her works and creative process.
The exhibition runs until February 28.
You can find CASPA above Stoneman’s Bookroom, entry is via the laneway on Hargraves Street, Castlemaine.
