A major touring exhibition by acclaimed Wadawurrung artist Kait James invites audiences to take a second look at Australia's cultural icons, histories and stereotypes.
Since 2018, James has been carving out a unique visual language based in the reappropriation of racialised products.
Commonly identified as 'Aboriginalia', these mass-produced, commercial objects range from souvenir tea towels and pennant flags to children's dolls and ceramic figurines.
Primarily created during the 1950s through to the 1980s for consumption by non-Indigenous tourists, the items depict culturally insensitive and racially stereotyped imagery, designs and motifs.
The exhibition includes tea towels, screen prints, large-scale fabric collages, ceramic wall figurines and felt pennant flags that all represent their own 'Red Flags' based on iconography - known or unknown.
"This has been an experience! I've explored Creation stories, contentious icons of Australia, political pathways, languages lost and found and have uncovered underlying truths of travelling and visiting Country for tourism without knowledge," James said.
"My new works are to be studied by the visitor and I encourage a second look at each one, as an invitation to dive deeper into culture, Country and conversation."
Aaron Bradbrook, Warrnambool Art Gallery director and curator of Kait James: Red Flags, noted the significance of the exhibition.
"Not only is this collection of works by Kait James an important recording of Australia's cultural and political history, but it also adds present-day commentary, making it relevant for today's audiences," he said.
"This expansive and hyper-coloured exhibition presents audiences with an opportunity to delve deeper into Australia's contentious political history.
"Kait's playful yet sophisticated deployment of colour and humour penetrates the human consciousness like a warm knife through butter."
Since beginning her career in 2018, James, represented by Neon Parc, has carved out a practice of subversion. James' work, now renowned for its political commentary and pop culture references, is exemplified by her textile practice including embroidery, found imagery and the reinterpretation of language.
Combining autobiography, incisive analysis and wry humour, James' practice reveals a deep reverence for her culture alongside a glimpse into a shared Aboriginal-Australian experience.
"We're delighted to present Kait James: Red Flags in Adelaide. At FUMA, we are committed to present exhibitions that spark curiosity and inspire meaningful dialogue. Kait James: Red Flags does exactly this, using humour and artistic ingenuity to explore complex questions about culture, history and belonging," said FUMA director Fiona Salmon.
Installation view, Warrnambool Art Gallery, courtesy of the artist and Neon Parc. (Image: Christian Capurro)
Kait James: Red Flags is a Warrnambool Art Gallery exhibition, curated by Aaron Bradbrook and touring nationally with NETS Victoria. Kait James is represented by Neon Parc.
This project has been supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia and the Visions of Australia program, as well as receiving development assistance from NETS Victoria's Exhibition Development Fund, supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
For more fashion, arts, culture and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.
