Meet this month's feature artist, Kalara Gilbert

Kalara Gilbert is a Wiradjuri artist currently based in Canberra. Painter, woodworker and pencil artist, Kalara enjoys all forms of art. Her colourful paintings pay homage to Country and she views her art as a way of being silent and waiting for creation to speak. A way of sharing culture with others and through this it enables her to paint spirit back onto Country.

Tell us a little bit about your work

Kalara’s practice is grounded in deep listening, to Country, to culture and to the quiet moments where creation begins to speak. Working across different mediums, her art is inspired not by force, but by stillness. A willingness to pause and allow ideas to emerge naturally. The landscapes of Canberra and the life they hold, plants, animals and the shifting skies shape her visual language, reflected in vibrant and expressive work that honours place and belonging.

Her art is also driven by a strong commitment to storytelling. Through murals, designs and collaborative works, Kalara brings First Nations culture into shared spaces, creating opportunities for connection, awareness and understanding. Each project, from school murals to public designs carries a sense of gratitude and responsibility, an extension of her relationship to Country and community and a way of ensuring culture continues to be seen, felt and respected.

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