About the artwork
This artwork by Kalara Gilbert was commissioned for the Where We Belong study.
Kalara Gilbert is a Wiradjuri artist currently based in Canberra. As a painter, woodworker, and pencil artist, Kalara enjoys all forms of art. Her colourful paintings pay homage to Country and she views art as a way of not so much thinking of what to paint but instead being silent and waiting for creation to speak. Feeling very lucky to be a part such beautiful Country, most of her art is based on the surrounding landscapes as well as the plants and animals that live there. Kalara is passionate about telling stories through painting and bringing awareness and understanding of First Nations Culture.
This is how she has described the meaning of this artwork:
This piece is about a sense of Belonging to the Canberra region. The mountain range painted in front is Black Mountain, with the Brindabella Mountain ranges behind. The patterns painted on Black Mountain represent the Molonglo River, the lake, and the different families and communities living on either side of it (North and South Canberra). The patterns on the Mountains behind represent all First Nations Peoples who come from all across Australia to live and work here and how they connect. The patterns in the sky are about connecting in and reminding us that Country is always helping us to find that belonging. Maliyan the protector flies high in the sky, and magpie, blue wren, and blue tongued lizard are also present as they are very prominent animals here, as well as the wattle, gum blossoms, and blue bell. It is painted in yellow tones as Canberra is basked in a golden light in the summer evenings and the Country turns yellow when the grass dries off and the seasons begin to change.
