Brushstrokes of Tradition: Indigenous Art Exhibition at 1 Denison
Discover breathtaking Indigenous art when you step into the foyer of 1 Denison and immerse yourself in Brushstrokes of Tradition, an Indigenous art exhibition curated by Bluethumb. Continue reading to discover the work on display and hear what this special showcase means to the exhibiting artists.
Click the images to shop the Brushstrokes of Tradition exhibition online! Photography by Ashley Mar.
The exhibition, featuring ten original artworks by South Australian artists Kelly Taylor, T’keyah Ware, and Kelilah Taylor-Ware, marks the first time the mother-daughter trio has showcased their work together. The excitement is palpable!
Family Day Out by Kelilah Taylor-Ware.
This year, our celebration of National NAIDOC Week was imbued with the powerful theme “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.” It served as a vibrant call to action, urging all to embrace and honour Indigenous Australians’ resilience, strength, and cultural richness.
Family Journey Painting by Kelly Taylor.
Through this exhibition, we highlight the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Indigenous heritage, ensuring that the flame of tradition continues to burn brightly for generations to come.
Grab a coffee, relax and admire the Indigenous artwork on display.
The Taylor-Ware family demonstrates their commitment to preserving the flame of tradition by perpetuating the sacred visual storytelling passed down for generations. “My Nana Millie was my greatest inspiration to become an artist,” says Kelly. “She always encouraged me to paint ever since I was 11 years old.”
Kelly Taylor is a proud Indigenous woman living and working on Nukunu country.
“The stories behind each painting are about my childhood days,” says Kelly. “When my family hunted and gathered traditional foods, playing and rolling down beautiful red sand hills of Pukatja, Kaltjiti, Uluru, Indulkana, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy and Port Augusta… We would camp surrounded by trees, wild desert flowers, sand hills and plenty of water holes to swim in and sit by the campfire on country and listen to our nanas and other elders telling stories.”
Camping Under The Moonlight by Kelly Taylor.
The family’s dedication to this enduring tradition honours their cultural heritage and strengthens the bond and values shared among family members. For Kelly, the best part about painting alongside her girls is the opportunity to express ideas and connect through their shared passion. Like most teenage girls, T’keyah and Kelilah lead busy lives, but Kelilah says they always make time for their family painting sessions.
Bush Medicine by T’keyah Ware.
“Collaborating with my mother and sister is a real dream come true,” says T’keyah. “Working together strengthens our bonds with one another and with our culture, which is the best part of the job.”
Kelly Taylor and her daughter T’keyah Ware.
“Through my art, I hope I can educate people about our stories and demonstrate to the world the strength and beauty of our culture,” says T’keyah.
T’keyah Ware is photographed painting Opal Country, a large-scale statement piece currently hanging in the exhibition.
The exhibition is running until August 30th. View at 1 Denison, North Sydney, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Can’t make it to the exhibition? Click the image below to shop the curation from the comfort of your home!
