The biannual Mind Body Spirit Festival has announced Indigenous artist Lyle Ah Sam will undertake live painting sessions at this month's event.
Hosting a range of activations, activities and events that uplift and improve the mind, body and spirit, the 2023 festival will also see Mr Ah Sam offer for sale several of his artistic pieces.
"I will be an exhibitor at the Mind Body Spirit Festival showcasing my culture and art through live art activations. I will be painting live and creating space for open dialogue between myself and attendees," Ah Sam said.
"This is an opportunity for me to connect and share stories with the community. I will have original paintings and fine art giclee prints available for purchase."
Identifying as a proud Mitakoodi / Wakka Wakka man, who initially grew up on Larrakis Country in Darwin before moving to Sydney, where he lives with his wife and three children, this will be Ah Sam's first time exhibiting at the festival.
"I am excited to participate as an exhibitor in the Mind Body Spirit Festival for the first time. As a First Nations creative, it feels like breaking new ground holding space and having a presence at this event on Gadigal country," he said.
"I am a deeply spiritual man, as is our culture. In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture Spirit is omnipresent, Spirit is life itself. First Nations creatives participating in Mind, Body, Spirit is a perfect fit. My wife received the vision to exhibit at the MBS Festival, and from there it came into fruition."
Celebrated as both an artist and business owner, Ah Sam is also the founder and owner of Soul Reign.
Recognised as a social enterprise that strives to create positive social change through cultural workshops, Waterlily art and mentoring programs, and live art workshops, Ah Sam operates Soul Reign as a family business alongside his wife.
"I wanted to create a business that can be handed down to my children. A business that empowers myself as a First Nations man, where I can exercise artistic freedom and financial independence," he said.
"I wanted to provide services that empower our culture and our community and helps build a cohesive and open society. I wanted to have a platform that allows our cultural knowledge and stories to be shared, respected and valued for the gift that it is."
When discussing what's next for the business, Ah Sam shares his interest in expanding Soul Reign into new realms.
"Soul Reign will be looking to explore new territories like pattern designs in the fashion industry and creating new community partnerships to deliver our programs and workshops," he said.
"We also envision a potential Soul Reign market tour around the world to expand our network, connect, and potentially collaborate with other creative souls."
Having gained his passion and inspiration for art from his community and family, Ah Sam is significantly connected to his culture through both experience and spiritual connection.
"My art practice holds strong cultural value and spiritual significance. I grew up connected to my culture and community. Art has always been intrinsically tied to my experience. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is the oldest continuing culture in the world, and our art is a life-blood to this continuation," he said.
"Through our art we have and continue to share knowledge and our stories to be handed down and revisioned through the next generations as the culture lives on and evolves through the eyes and experience of the descendants.
"Art is the voice of my ancestors, and the art I create today will be a voice for my descendants. My knowledge has been passed down to me by my Elder, Uncle Johnny Daylight Lacey. He was taught by his Elder, Uncle Joseph Baird-Wallis, whose Elder was Uncle David Malangi."
Heavily influenced and educated by his Elders, Ah Sam hopes to use his knowledge and artistic skills to lead change, whilst also encouraging artistic expression and individuality.
"I will continue to learn from my Elder, Uncle Johnny Daylight-Lacey. As I continue to evolve and develop my craft I strive to lead a positive influence and encourage others to embrace self-determination, creative freedom and authenticity," Ah Sam told Style Up.
Taking place between October 12 to 15 in Sydney and November 10 to 12 in Melbourne, Lyle Ah Sam will be exhibiting at stand B56 at Sydney's Mind Body Spirit Festival. The 2023 Mind Body Spirit Festival is set to welcome over 200 exhibitors, including more than 60 guest speakers.
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