Gerringong Library and Museum Gallery has hosted a contemporary Aboriginal art exhibition by local artist Kay A over the past week that explores the beauty of our local LGA.

Kay is a proud Wiradjuri woman of the Cowra Mob - Galari Clan who has been creating art for more than 20 years. She is a guest of the Wodi Wodi people on Dharawal Land and draws her inspiration from the beautiful land around her. 

Kay has met a lot of people with a keen interest in contemporary Aboriginal art and culture during the exhibition. She has met many people who she wouldn’t have ordinarily gotten the chance to meet and reflects on the importance of connection with people. “It’s not typical, not tokenistic and it’s quite individual. It still tells a story of culture, connection, and country,” Kay told The Bugle. 

Connection to country, nature, people and community are heavy influences on Kay’s art style. She spends as much time outdoors as possible, going on bush walks, and being near the water and the rocks are crucial for her to feel connected to Country and to find inspiration for her art. 

Kay’s work reflects her love of country, and she says when creating her art that “I look through a different window every time.” Kay looks to nature to create and each artwork is an individual reflection of her process. She does not take photographs or plan sketches but waits for inspiration to come to her.

“My influence comes from interaction with people, with community,” Kay says. Her art reflects a strong influence from the elements and aspects of nature that are intertwined with Aboriginal culture. Trees, wind, water, sun and cicadas are all present in her individualistic works, “when you get one of my works you won’t see it again.”

Kay will be part of another exhibition hosted at the Old Fire House in Kiama over the Easter period next year. A portion of the money Kay makes from her art sales goes to a company that creates care packages for Aboriginal communities across the country. Kay cares a lot about her community and helping where help is needed, she’s a believer that you must share what you have. 

You can see Kay’s art for sale at her website here.