My Country 1 (2023)

In April 2023, I was driving home from work and saw the most stunning sunset over the Brindabellas. Canberra is known for its beautiful sunsets but this one was different. Soft pinks, yellow and orange contrasting with the baby blue sky.

These aren't colours I'm drawn to, or that I had ever worked with but I felt compelled to explore these colours through a painting.

This is what I created.

The 'My Country' series is inspired by my recent trip to Central Australia. Having not visited the country of my ancestors since I was a child, I was struck by the intense shapes, colours and landscapes. When I returned to my home in Canberra, I set to work, trying to use the colours and shapes of my art in new ways. When I look at these paintings I see rocks or mountains, night skies or rivers, desert flowers or stars. They represent my connection to both the Luritja deserts of my Nanna and the Kuku Yalanji beaches and rainforests of my Nanny.

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Kayannie Denigan is an emerging Australian Aboriginal artist. She is Luritja by birth – connected to Iltjitjari and Unturu in Central Australia through her grandmother and great-grandmother respectively.
Kayannie is also connected to the Bagarrmuguwarra, Guugu Yimithirr and Kuku Yalanji people of Cape York through her Nganjan (adopted father). She maintains strong connections to country at Buru, Starke and Yuku Budhuwigu and to the communities of Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal.

Kayannie works predominantly in acrylic on canvas and is inspired by a painting style that was passed down from her grandmothers – the iconic dots and symbols of Central Desert art. She combines this ancient form of storytelling with the colours and stories from the lands and culture of her childhood home in Cape York.

Her unique style represents her heritage and upbringing, resulting in earthy, rich and vibrant expressions of her connection to people and country.