Inheritance by Katina Davidson
Written for Aboriginal Art Co.
Image credits: Joe Ruckli, 2024.
Katina Davidson is a Brisbane-based artist and a proud descendant of the Kullilli and Yuggera peoples. Within this exhibition Katina explores the relationship of site through the astute use of material such as porcelain and ochre. Containing both sculptural pieces as well as intimate paintings, Inheritance draws on fond childhood memories which are steeped in her family history and social histories of the Purga Mission, Ipswich. These postcard-sized landscape paintings are memorials and tributes to the figures who have played important roles in the community, as well as sharing the artist's connection to this important site.
Katina’s use of porcelain speaks to the fragility of memory whilst also commenting on the endurance and durability of the material. This intended dichotomy speaks to First Nations resilience as Katina illustrates old family photographs and memories of laughter, in a place which was initially created to segregate and disadvantage Aboriginal people. In her artist talk, Katina spoke about the selected photographs, describing how she made sure to choose photographs that brought her joy.
Each of the eight oil-based paintings offer a glimpse into what life was like for her family on the mission in the 90s and early 2000s. She reimagines captured memories which include herself, her father, as well as her cousins and uncles. The use of oil paint allows Katina to slow down the making process and take time with her reconstructions of these histories. There is a level of prestige associated with both oil paint and porcelain, Katina speaks about ensuring her art materials are good quality, consequently making her art more archivable. To use higher quality materials to create these artworks contributes to the overall communication of importance regarding these fond memories of the mission.
The two sculptures within the exhibition are a collaboration of Kullilli ochre and porcelain. The process of making a coolamon is peeling away and then sanding down the wood. Instead of sanding away, Katina used porcelain to capture imprints which ultimately became similar to a fingerprint, representing Country. She has then used ochre from Kullilli Country to stabilise the porcelain, further contributing to this representation.
Inheritance by Katina Davidson is an exceptional example of conceptual literacy and was on show in the Vault Gallery between 15 June - 27 July 2024.
Blog written by Makayla Dass, 2024.