Kaiela Arts has launched Kaiela Arts Editions, a new initiative featuring an exclusive commissioned silkscreen print by internationally renowned First Nations artist Maree Clarke.
Clarke, a widely-acclaimed Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba/Mutti Mutti/Boonwurrung contemporary artist, has been a key figure in the revival of South-East Australian Aboriginal cultural practice for over 30 years.
Her work reclaims and revitalises that which was lost to colonisation. She often combines natural, found materials like kangaroo teeth and river reeds, with modern elements and techniques, such as glass and 3D printing.
Clarke's multi-media installations, which include photography, sculpture, and video, explore ancestral ceremonies and rituals while creating a space for cross-cultural dialogue about the impacts of colonisation. Her artistic practice is highly collaborative and intergenerational, aiming to bring previous
Over the past 12 months, Clarke has spent time on Yorta Yorta Country, connecting with local community, sharing historical and cultural knowledge. From conversations with Kaiela Arts artists and Elders, and in collaboration with Spacecraft Melbourne, she has created an edition of 40 hand-printed works on archival paper.
The work has been produced using inks created from ochres and charcoal collected on trips to Barmah and Cummeragunja.
Kaiela Arts Editions has been supported by iVAIS to expand creative and commercial avenues for First Nations artists and to raise funds for our screen-printing practice. It also provides a professional development opportunity for local First Nations artists and staff to work up close with and learn from an accomplished artist every year.
Kaiela Arts said the centre is excited to mark the release of Clarke's new print with two special launch events in November 2025, in Shepparton and Naarm/Melbourne.
The prints will also be available for purchase in Kaiela Arts gallery and website, www.kaielaarts.org.au.
Kaiela Arts Editions project launches limited edition silkscreen print by artist Maree Clarke in Shepparton launch on Thursday 20 November at Kaiela Arts, and the Naarm/Melbourne launch event will be held Friday 21 November at Spacecraft Melbourne.
Kaiela Arts is an Aboriginal art centre located on Yorta Yorta country in Shepparton, Victoria. Their studio and hybrid retail gallery are "hubs for connection, creativity and innovation". Occupying the ground floor of the Shepparton Art Museum, Kaiela Arts provides a working studio for over forty Aboriginal artist members to create work across ceramics, painting, weaving and screen-printing.
