ARTWORK DETAILS

Tamika Neade
Together as one Installation
Two piece assemblage. Nest separate from the hanging canvas with 3 feathers attached. To hang with fishing line, from roof

ARTIST STATEMENT

My artwork is inspired by Native American culture, my background and personal symbols. The stretched canvas and woven nest initiates my exploration of intercultural solidarity against colonisation. Traditional colours and artistic elements unify, providing a symbolic, vibrant and wind-blown interactive experience. I use primary and traditional colours, natural materials and songlines to create a tactile experience for artist and audience. This reflects my philosophy of foregrounding Aboriginal struggle while connecting with nature. My intention is provocative; to give people in a public space a whole-body experience that shares my ideas. It raises questions about colonisation and First Nations animistic spirituality.

ARTWORK PROCESS

Painted circular canvas stretched to a circular frame using twine. Acrylic paint on canvas. Feathers bound with wire and beads attached with fishing line. Wooden nest below made from sticks and filled with raw cow hide, stones, leaves and feathers.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Tamika Neade

Born in Alice Springs 2005 , Tamika Neade is an Aborignal woman from Elliott in the Northern Territory. She is from the Jingli people. Tamika studies Visual Arts at Mount St Bernard College in Far North Queensland. Tamika’s work explores intercultural First Nations’ collaborative resilience in the context of colonisation. Firmly decentering the white gaze, Tamika articulates First Nations’ perspectives of the traumas of colonisation through the interweaving of sculptural mixed media elements.