They, Them, Their

Brisbane student of Bio Medical Research (Fertility and Embryology) Cael Kilham introduces their identity — Human — into current discourse on gender diversity. Cael also proffers supporting testimony, in a many-sexed bouquet of Australian native flowers. These strange and surprising structures, the sexual organs of plants, are indisputably considered beautiful whether unisexual, male, female, entire, imperfect, or otherwise. Widespread acceptance of all humans regardless of their gender or sexuality lags sadly behind these recognised biological realities.
A parent through IVF and a trailblazer in the introduction of non-binary language into their university’s communications, Cael intends their career trajectory to include the development of thoughtful support so that non-binary, trans and gender diverse humans in Brisbane may successfully access appropriate reproductive technologies.
This painted comment on gender inclusivity required vulnerability and great trust between myself and my subject. Cael’s quietly accusatory stare as they forcefully thrust this bouquet at the viewer reminds us of our human responsibility to carry some weight in this crucial new conversation; to witness, support, and to accept the truths of “other”.
I chose the kangaroo paw and native pea flowers depicted for their beauty, their similarity in shape to human sexual organs and their widely varying reproductive functions. The purple, yellow, black and white colours of the non-binary flag underpin this portrait. Woven subtly through the bouquet is the word “human”, the one word to safely encompass all of humanity, whomever they inform us they are.

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ARTIST PROFILE: A painter of large, vibrant canvases, De Gillett Cox captures intensity, optimism and joy with her brushes and knives. Her highly textured canvases dramatically demand our attention, shouting off the wall with a vibrant new take on familiar subjects.
De skilfully orchestrates highly developed drawing techniques together with a kaleidoscope of colour across her canvases. Juxtaposing opacity & transparency, positive & negative, textures & glazes; she fills her contemporary interpretations of landscape, flowers and birds with sumptuous celebration and an organic neo-futurism.
De Gillett Cox graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Queensland College of Arts (QCA), Griffith University, Brisbane, and has been represented by Montville Art Gallery since 2018.
SELECTED AWARDS AND PRIZES
2022 Lethbridge 20,000: Finalist; Into Obscurity
2022 John Villiers Waltzing Matilda Outback Art Prize; Finalist Dirt by Girt.
2021 Brisbane Portrait Prize: Finalist; They, Them, Their. (Portrait of Cael Killham)
2019 Lethbridge 20,000: Finalist; Indelible. Online Finalist; Old Growth paper products.
2018 Moreton Bay Art Awards: Finalist; Inner Brisbane Soundscape.
2018 Lethbridge 10,000: Gallery Finalist; Familial paper trail. Online Finalist; Leave no refuse.
2017 Brisbane Art Prize; Finalist, Connectedness.
2016 Clayton Utz Art Awards; Finalist; Acknowledgement of Country.
2016 Moreton Bay Region Art Awards: People’s Choice Award, Acknowledgement of Country.
2015 The John Villiers Waltzing Matilda Outback Art Show 2015: Second Prize, Habitat.
2015 King St, Canvas Paddock to Plate: First prize Judges Choice. Thargomindah smoko, 1936.
2014 The Andrew Fisher Portrait Prize 2014 Highly Commended, Bruised- Embracing erudition.
2013 The John Villiers Waltzing Matilda Outback Art Show 2013: Celebrity Prize, Thargomindah smoko, 1936. Winner Popular Vote, Over the sunset plains.
2011 Woollam Waltzing Matilda Outback Art Award 2011: Third prize, painting, Relinquish to the river.

SELECTED SOLO & MAJOR EXHIBITIONS

2022 Artist of the Month, May, Montville Art Gallery.
2021 Artist of the Month, September, Montville Art Gallery.
2020 Artist of the Month, October, Montville Art Gallery.
2019 Artist of the Month, November, Montville Art Gallery.
2018 “Knickerless” at Slingshot Bar Gallery, Fortitude Valley Brisbane
2016 “City Coastal Country” with Kylie Farrelly at The Manly Gallery, Brisbane.
2013 “Luminous QLD”: 25 works, Solo exhibition at The Manly Gallery, Brisbane.
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PORTRAIT COMMISSIONS

2014 Piccardi Legal: portrait of Tony and Megan Piccardi.
2012 Brown and Hurley Transport: portrait of J.P. Hurley (President); oil on canvas.
2009 Townsville Art Society: portrait of Kevin O’Shea.
COLLECTIONS
2016 Mayoral Office Charters Towers, Mayor Elizabeth Schmidt, Hope, Acrylic on canvas diptych.
2016 Dr. Cameron Mackay: Hands at work; .Mixed media on linen.
2014 Collection of The Hawker School, Canberra; Rainbow bird; Hyacinths.
2013 State Library of Queensland: Recumbent, reading,(collagraph).