Selected Solo Exhibitions

Munta (sacred in Paakantyi) is a view of the female form. The work emulates and challenges ‘objects of ethnography’ that depict Indigenous women and their bodies as something to be collected and studied, while stripping them of agency and silencing their voice. Munta seeks to dismantle this phenomenon and give voice to these women through reclamation of artistic intent usually misinterpreted as obscene, primitive folk art.

Munta strives to open discussion surrounding this often-ignored part of cultural study by reminding the audience of the nameless women seen posed in traditional garb, feigning engagement in some traditional activity. It brings attention to the notion that these women’s worth was measured by how pleasing they were the white male gaze; that their importance within an ethnographic and anthropological space was depending which famous white man’s collection they belonged to.

At its core, Munta represents sacredness; an expanding life journey; resistance; and celebration. 

Muntampara is a Paakantyi word for a complete rainbow. In Paakantyi culture, Wiimpatya (Aboriginal people) are not allowed to look at or point at Muntampara as it represents the Ngatyi Creator Being. It is sacred. Notions of Pride are represented as a rainbow the world over. Rainbows as symbolism are conflicting with Paakantyi spiritual Lore and beliefs. Muntampara as a body of work by Sian Harris is a direct response to Queerness as theory and praxis; experience; and notions of Pride.

Queerness as theory is seen as a post-colonial concept in most literature. Much of the emphasis surrounding Queer movements place cisgender White folks at the centre of praxis. One of the most damaging factors of colonialism on Indigenous people with diverse gender experiences is erasure and the upholding of patriarchy and the gender binary.

Queerness as theory; praxis; experience; and notions of Pride:

-        Come with their own set of paradoxes and politics that do not include experiences and considerations of First Nations people

-        Echo colonial anxiety and prejudices and erases experiences of First Nations people in modern times and pre-contact

-        Are seen as a mark of what is ‘modern’ while pre-colonial Aboriginal life is seen as ‘primitive’

Muntampara aims to dismantle and disrupt notions of Queerness that are not inclusive of Indigenous experience.

Artworks:

The pieces are made of mixed media, such as acrylic paintings and drawings, as well as up-cycling of objects. The pieces are representative of symbolism as well as expressions of sexuality, sensuality, and identity.

Katyiluku is a solo exhibition by Kurnu Paakantyi artist Sian Harris. The word Katyiluku in Paakantyi Palku means small or tiny. The collection contains works that measure no more than 30 cm x 30 cm in size. The stories and imagery have come to the artist in small bursts as thoughts, ideas, or dreams. No matter how minute the story is, Harris has recorded it in her artwork.  Slices of life; pieces of ideas; and parts of larger stories are collected here in these small works.