Known for his artistic process that transcends conventional boundaries, First Nations artist Ethan James Kotiau has got art-goers intrigued this week with the announcement he will be revealing his first solo exhibition at Kate Owen Gallery.
Tilted Iningai, the new exhibition will be available for the public to view and attend at Kate Owen Gallery from April 13 to May 12.
Iningai is the name of the Traditional custodians of the land in Central West Queensland, particularly in the area around Longreach and the Thompson River Catchment. This is Ethan's home and his great-grandfather's Country.
Ethan's intricate dotting in his Iningai paintings are vast and strong like the land but also evoke remembrance to those who belong to this Country.
Subtle movements from the painted layers beneath the dot work may also reference shapes of creeks and rivers, and much like the land itself, provide a deeper layer of meaning and spirituality.
"I love the simplicity in a lot of the traditional Aboriginal art from the past. I keep that principle in my work. I like to keep it simple, not over complicate it. I think you see that in my paintings, they aren't loud but subtle and discreet. However, once you look closer there's more to them than meets the eye. That has been my experience of Aboriginal culture and our community growing up," said Kotiau.
One of the highlights of Ethan's exhibition is his new Iningai – Marrangal series, which pays homage to the great warrior and hunter spirit of his Ancestors. Oblong motifs within these paintings reference the nulla-nulla.
The shimmering quality of the metallic paint is a reference to the great hunter who was said to be able to disappear with the light, but as Ethan explains "by the time you see the shimmer, it's too late – he's already got you."
Raised amidst the arid terrain of his great grandfather's Iningai Country in Central West Queensland, Ethan's artworks serve as a testament to the beauty and wisdom of his homeland. His paintings capture the essence of Iningai spirit, from the tranquil riverbanks to the celestial expanse above.
Despite growing up in Nambour Queensland with ancestry to the Gunggari tribe of Central QLD, Cook Island Maori and ties to the Iningai people of Central west QLD, the emerging Indigenous artist now resides in Terrigal NSW.
Having grown up with an interest in the land and natural world around him, Ethan's goal as an artist is to create refreshing and peaceful artwork that invites the viewer to connect with Aboriginal culture and nature in a meaningful way.
Through his unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles, he hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the Indigenous cultures that have thrived there for millennia.
Iningai - Baru and Iningai - Amu Baru by Ethan James Kotiau. (Image: Supplied)
Kate Owen Gallery is celebrated as one of Australia's leading contemporary Aboriginal art galleries, specialising in Indigenous art from across Australia.
Located in Sydney's Inner West, the gallery represents over 200 artists and has roughly 2,000 artworks in stock, ranging from small affordable works to large investment pieces. Extending over three light-filled levels, the gallery further showcases major exhibitions of established Indigenous masters and new talent.
The Gallery is a proud member of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia (AAAA), the pan-industry organisation for people involved in Indigenous art. The Association binds members to a strict code of conduct, so visitors can be assured that artists are dealt with fairly, transparently and with respect.
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The exhibition will run from the 13th of April to 12th of May, 2024.
