Kait James
Title of artwork: Still Here
Artist: Kait James
Year: 2024
Medium: Stainless steel, Bronze, and powder coat
Size:
Artist Statement
"Still Here honours the enduring strength and resilience of my Wadawurrung ancestors and the sacrifices they made for us to be here today. The placement of the spears and digging sticks within the landscape carries profound significance. Those located by the lake symbolise loss—loss of our people, displacement from Country and culture, and the sorrow endured by Wadawurrung people. They are a reminder of the profound impact colonisation has had and the ongoing struggles we face. In contrast, the spears and digging sticks positioned on the hill represent our survival and ongoing resilience, standing tall as symbols of our enduring presence and unyielding spirit.Together, these elements stand as a powerful reminder that despite the challenges faced, Wadawurrung people remain steadfast in their presence and identity. Still Here is a tribute to survival—both physical and cultural—and an affirmation of the Wadawurrung's unbroken bond with their culture and Country. Through this work, I seek to honour the past, acknowledge the present, and inspire future generations to carry forward the legacy of resilience. We are still here, stronger than ever."
About the Artist
Kait James is a Wadawurrung artist living and working in Melbourne. In her practice she asks questions relating to self, perception and the collective lack of knowledge of Indigenous culture and community, exploring her identity as an Australian woman with Indigenous and Anglo heritage.
Kait is known for maintaining an idiosyncratic tone throughout her practice, navigating injustices with optimism and humour.
She has held solo exhibitions at the Koorie Heritage Trust and Art Gallery of Ballarat. In 2019, she was the winner of Craft Victoria’s Emerging Artist Award and the Koori Art Show’s Reconciliation award. She was also a finalist in the Churchie National Emerging Artist award, the King Wood Mallesons Art Prize and the Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award. Her work is held in the collections of the Koorie Heritage Trust, Geelong Gallery, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Monash University Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Victoria.