About Kait James

Proud Wadawurrung artist Kait James explores questions relating to identity, perception and knowledge of Australia’s Indigenous communities. Using a punch needle, she embroiders kitsch found materials, such as souvenir tea towels from the 1970s and 1980s, that stereotype and caricature First Nations cultures. James speaks to the homogenisation of Blak cultures and the (mis)understanding of what constitutes Aboriginal art, which is often thought of as only dot painting designs that come from desert mob. Through humour and vivid colours, James disrupts the materials’ reductive idea of what is ‘authentic’ Indigenous art and, by extension, who are ‘authentic’ Indigenous people. She endeavours to develop and use her art in ways that encourage responsiveness, unity and optimism within and beyond Indigenous communities.

Discussion Prompts and Learning Activities

• Kait James’ artworks encompass textile processes including punch-needling and embroidery. She is entirely self-taught from watching online videos. Have you ever gone online to learn a new skill? What did you learn?

• In the artwork I Would Do Anything For Culture But I Won't Dot That, 2022, Kait James challenges the stereotype that all Indigenous artists use dot painting techniques in their work. Undertake some research to learn about cultural protocols and contexts and communities where dot painting is part of cultural expression for First Nations artists.

• Tea towels are typically everyday, domestic objects, but Kait James collects vintage Aboriginal calendar tea towels and transforms them into artworks. Explore the history of ‘found objects’ in art and discuss how James adds new layers of meaning to vintage souvenir tea towels to reclaim representations of Aboriginal identity within her work.

• Vivid colour and bold text are part of Kait James’ signature style. How do these elements add impact and contribute to the meaning of her work?

• The term ‘Aboriginalia’ was coined by Indigenous artist Tony Albert in reference to the use of vintage kitsch objects, souvenirs and images featuring stereotypical, disrespectful or racist depictions of Aboriginal people. Research how contemporary First Nations artists including Kait James, Tony Albert and Destiny Deacon, work with Aboriginalia to express their ideas.

Acknowledgement:

The MUMA Education Artist-in-Residence Program is supported by the Department of Education and Training through the Strategic Partnerships Program (SPP).