After seizing the opportunity to showcase her work as an independent exhibitor at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair last year, Arabella Walker's career has taken another significant turn.

The Wulli Wulli will this month celebrate the milestone of opening her first solo exhibition (as a represented artist), Gentle Shifts, at Jan Manton Gallery in Brisbane.

Walker was selected part of a small group of independent artists, securing a sought-after spot in Cairns Indigenous Art Fair's (CIAF) innovative new CATAPULT program, providing coveted exhibition space and services within the event's 2024 Country Speaking themed Art Fair Showcase at Cairns Convention Centre.

CIAF's exhibitions manager, India Collins, says CIAF serves as an excellent and transformative platform for Queensland's First Nations artists.

Over the past 15 years, it has propelled careers from Cairns to the global stage, along with an impressive list of institutional acquisitions.

"We have some wonderful emerging and established artists here in Queensland that are not assigned with an art centre or gallery but deserve and desire the opportunity to show work in our state's pinnacle showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art," Collins said.

"The CATAPULT program was introduced with those artists in mind and formed part of a more holistic professional development program.

"CATAPULT is as the name suggests, all about creating momentum and advancing the careers of Queensland's First Nations artists.

"This month's opening of Arabella Walker's solo exhibition is the exact outcome we had in mind when we created the program – by being part of CIAF and CATAPULT, Arabella's career has been taken to the next level."

Walker said showcasing her work to collectors, curators, art lovers, and visitors to CIAF was a chance to elevate her art practice to a new and unprecedented level.

"Having a booth at CIAF 2024 was an extraordinary milestone in my artistic journey. It exposed my work to the industry, community, and the broader public," she said.

"It was a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and culturally important event, where First Nations art was not only celebrated but also genuinely appreciated by collectors, industry professionals, and visitors from diverse backgrounds," she said.

Walker said a highlight was connecting with talented First Nations artists, sharing stories, and learning from the experiences of others.

"Being part of an event that showcases the depth and diversity of Queensland's First Nations art was inspiring and humbling. There's something powerful about seeing our culture represented through art and its impact on those who engage with it," she said.

"The day was packed with incredible conversations. I met fellow artists, art collectors, business owners, and members of the public who were genuinely interested in hearing about my creative process and the stories behind my work.

"I loved being able to represent my mob and Country, sharing not just my art but also the cultural knowledge and history embedded within it."

"CIAF 2024 was more than just an opportunity to showcase my work—it served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of First Nations artists and the importance of creating spaces where our voices and stories can be seen and heard. I'm grateful for the experience and look forward to what lies ahead on this journey."

Walker's Gentle Shifts exhibition is a vibrant exploration of the flora of Wulli Wulli Country and the landscapes that have shaped her life.

Each piece carries movement and story, brought to life through colours and patterns. The artworks flow together in a seamless dance, capturing the subtle transitions of nature and memory.

Walker's practice conveys essential topics related to First Nations histories, concentrating on the challenges face by Aboriginal women living in the Colony.

She addresses these challenges by weaving Indigenous ways of knowing and being into cultural knowledge, protocols, connections, and traditions through various media.

Artist Arabella Walker's Gentle Shifts exhibition runs from Tuesday 11 to Sunday 30 March at Jan Manton Gallery, 54 Vernon Terrace, Teneriffe, Brisbane.

For more fashion, culture, arts and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.