Tamworth Regional Gallery will present Kait James: Red Flags, the most ambitious solo exhibition to date by Wadawurrung artist Kait James, from 27 June to 6 August.
Since 2018, James has developed a distinctive visual language through the reappropriation of racialised commercial objects commonly referred to as ‘Aboriginalia’. These mass-produced souvenirs—including tea towels, pennant flags, children’s dolls and ceramic figurines—were primarily produced between the 1950s and 1980s for non-Indigenous tourists and feature culturally insensitive and racially stereotyped imagery, designs and motifs.
The exhibition features tea towels, screen prints, large-scale fabric collages, ceramic wall figurines and felt pennant flags, each representing its own ‘red flag’ through familiar and lesser-known iconography.
On creating the works and themes for the exhibition, Kait James said:
“This has been an experience! I’ve explored Creation stories, contentious icons of Australia, political pathways, languages lost and found and have uncovered underlying truths of travelling and visiting Country for tourism without knowledge. My new works are to be studied by the visitor and I encourage a second look at each one, as an invitation to dive deeper into culture, Country and conversation.” James said on creating the works and themes for the exhibition.
Warrnambool Art Gallery Director and curator of Kait James: Red Flags, Aaron Bradbrook, said “not only is this collection of works by Kait James an important recording of Australia’s cultural and political history, but it also adds present-day commentary, making it relevant for today’s audiences.”
“This expansive and hyper-coloured exhibition presents audiences with the opportunity to delve deeper into Australia’s contentious political history. Kait’s playful yet sophisticated deployment of colour and humour penetrates the human consciousness like a warm knife through butter.” he said.
Represented by Neon Parc, James has built a practice centred on subversion since beginning her career in 2018. Her work is recognised for its political commentary and pop culture references, expressed through textiles, embroidery, found imagery and the reinterpretation of language.
Combining autobiography, incisive analysis and wry humour, James’ practice reflects a deep reverence for her culture while offering insight into a shared Aboriginal-Australian experience.
“We’re delighted to present Kait James: Red Flags at the Gallery. This remarkable exhibition brings a unique perspective to the Tamworth region.” said Tamworth Regional Gallery Director Bridget Guthrie.
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