Rosella Namok Residency - Perspective Exhibition

Born: 1979 Lockhart River QLD
Region: Eastern Cape York Peninsula
Language: Aangkum (Ungkum)
Lives and works: Cairns, QLD

Rosella Namok first appeared on the contemporary art scene in the late 1990s as a prominent member of the renowned Lockhart River ‘Art Gang’. Growing up she experienced traditional practices - such as attending ceremonies, camping, fishing, gathering berries and shellfish - within and around Lockhart River, Claudie River, Quintell Beach, Chilli Beach and the Iron Range (Kutini-Payamu) National Park.

With an extensive history exhibiting nationally and Internationally, Rosella has been living and working in Cairns as well as more recently completing major commissions in Brisbane studios. Her paintings continue to reflect both traditional stories and contemporary themes across cultural and social concerns with candid observations about changing lifestyles and the environment. Through a technique developed by watching her grandmother drawing in the sand, Rosella often creates patterned, linear arrangements by pulling her fingers through the layers of paint.

Rosella Namok has been collected by all major State and National Galleries including The High Court of Australia in Canberra.

Art Practice:

Much of Rosella’s work commemorates her traditional culture and country of Lockhart River whilst contemplating its change, the dismantling of customs and urban development. Although many of her works celebrate her traditional lifestyle and the natural environment of Lockhart River (Stinging Rain, Mangroves and Mud Muscle series) other themes, such as Moieties and New Villages demonstrate the way the old lores are being eroded and the community lifestyle has changed.