Managing both university studies in Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art and her own practice, Kyra Mancktelow identifies as a visual storyteller drawing upon historical events as her focus of subject truth-telling. With a multidisciplinary practice spanning painting, print making and sculpture, Kyra’s NATSIAA work, Moongalba II, explores visual and thematic narratives around the uniforms worn by the children of the Myora mission on Stradbroke Island under the regime of 1892–1896.
“The material I used to create these uniforms is called Tarleton. It is printmaking fabric we use to take away colour from an etching plate,” says Kyra. “I chose this material because it represents that attempt of Assimilation and taking away identity, culture and traditions”.
Kyra’s art encourages audiences to reflect on the truth of a collective First Nations history which has been largely overlooked by the education system. The NATSIAA has provided another platform through which Kyra can raise awareness of historical events, traditions and customs inherent to Aboriginal culture.
Now in its 38th year, the Telstra NATSIAA offers insightful and highly skilled First Nations artists a national forum to share profound reflections on person, place and culture. With communication and creative expression comes truth, and with truth comes, hopefully, healing.
