Join cross-cultural Wiradjuri, Irish and German artist Karla Dickens in conversation with Adam Ford, Nyoongar (Menang/Goreng) people, Associate Curator, First Nations Art, in Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia. The talk will focus on Dickens’ installation The nips are getting bigger 2024.
Karla Dickens has a multidisciplinary practice that often combines various mediums to create one work of art. Karla creates work reflecting on Australia’s history, addressing topics like race, gender and sexuality using found objects and materials.
The nips are getting bigger juxtaposes limited edition Captain Cook RN whiskey bottles with feathers and adornments to present an alternative narrative of colonisation and its ongoing devastating effects on Aboriginal people.
In this talk, Karla will reflect on the histories that she has brought together in this work, including the story of Bungaree, an Aboriginal man from Broken Bay who was hired by colonists to circumnavigate the continent but was paid for his services in alcohol.
Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia is on display at the National Gallery until the 24 Aug 2025.
Friday Art Talks is a free weekly program. Hear from artists, curators and experts on the works in our collection and exhibition program.
This talk is part of the National Gallery of Australia’s NAIDOC Week Program. NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The 2025 NAIDOC Week theme is “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”.
Gallery 6, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Galleries (Level 1)
This is a free drop-in event.
Bookings are not required, but capacity is limited.
Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Duration: 45 mins including Q&A
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