Indigenous designs showcased at Maltha Waru Arts Celebration

The talents of Indigenous artists from across North West Queensland were on full display at the Maltha Waru Arts Celebration.

By Lyndsay Jameson

The designs of Indigenous artists were used to create garments that were showcased at the event's fashion show.

The talents of Indigenous artists from across North West Queensland were on full display at the Maltha Waru Arts Celebration last night at Outback at Isa.

The not-for-profit event showcased artworks from artists including Kalkadoon elder Auntie Hazel Munro, Barbara Sam, Kelly Barclay, Kohaku Ah Kit, and Doug Bruce.

The day kicked off with community markets at 3pm, with the fashion show starting at 6pm.

There were cultural dances by the Sundowners Kalkutungu Dancers, Cameron Leon played the didgeridoo, and there was a wearable-art exhibition in the Mount Isa Regional Art Gallery inside Outback at Isa.

Barbara Sam provided the Welcome to Country.

Explaining the meaning behind her artwork that was used to create garments – including T-shirts and shorts – showcased in the fashion show, Barbara said every colour represents Mother Earth, the colour of the land and skies, and the animals that represent Kalkadoon totems.

“This is our story, this is our history that will be told through art. Too deadly to all of the artists that are here,” Barbara said.

Hazel Munro explained her artwork was made by adding colours to pulped Indigenous grasses such as spinifex.

“My artwork is about the country, the colours that we see in the country, and about being connected to country,” Hazel said.

Kohaku Ah Kit said their design was inspired by the Marvel superhero Spider-Man, particularly from the “Into the Spider-Verse” movies.

“I was inspired by how, with this Spider-Man, anybody can wear the mask. So I did my own take on Aboriginal Spider-Man, as I feel like – as Indigenous and Aboriginal people – we don't have a lot of representation, especially in media,” they said.

“I wanted to showcase my culture and do a suit – a take of traditional painting – to represent the land and my culture.”

Maltha Waru means “many paths” in the Kalkadoon language.

Opening the event, Mount Isa mayor Peta MacRae said the Maltha Waru name was fitting, as it represents the many paths that bring artists, community, culture, and visitors together.

“Outback at Isa undertook an initiative to support regional artists in Outback Queensland, as the closest Indigenous art galleries available to artists were either in Alice Springs or on the coast,” Cr MacRae said.

After the event, the garments showcased in the fashion show will be on display and available to purchase from the Maltha Waru Regional Arts Workshop at Outback at Isa. Each garment is made in Australia.