For designer, youth activist, artist and proud Gumbaynggirr woman Aretha Brown, creating art has always been a natural way to express her feelings and culture.
Brown's work as an artist has also been further circulated and respected thanks to her – now former – role as Prime Minister of the National Indigenous Youth Parliament.
Being the youngest ever person — and the first woman — to hold this position, Brown's voice and work as an artist is highly respected both locally and overseas.
Despite growing up as a queer, young person of colour, living in the confinements of an urban colony, Brown has excelled far beyond the confines of her family home in Melbourne's Western Suburbs.
In 2019, the young creative stepped out on a solo business mission and launched 'Kiss My Art Collective'.
Made up of a close-knit group of friends, Kiss My Art Collective painting crew was created to champion young women and non-binary artists by providing jobs, work experience and a safe creative space on large-scale public murals throughout Australia and internationally.
Artists within Kiss My Art Collective come from diverse backgrounds, however, the collective is overwhelmingly made up of young female Indigenous artists.
"Non-Indigenous members of the collective work alongside First Nations women as an active cultural exchange of traditions, histories and storytelling, in order to practice what intersectional feminism is and should be", said Kiss My Art Founder Aretha Brown.
Since launching in 2019, Kiss My Art has impressively made over 53 murals and public artworks in Australia, Great Britain, India and Indonesia.
After unveiling her artistic NAIDOC week mural in New York City's Bluestone Lane Cafe in DUMBO, Brooklyn, the 22-year-old artist has made more headlines than one.
Commissioned by the Australian Consulate-General New York with support from the Australian US Embassy and American Friends of the National Gallery of Australia, Brown's black and white hued mural gained the attention of of various prolific figures both in and outside the state of New York.
Reflective of her humble, early and artistic upbringing, the mural represents urban Indigenous experience and corroboree, whilst incorporating traditional symbols and stories.
Whilst this work reflected Brown's successful work as an Australian international artist it also reflected the creatives aim to increase the awareness and education in New York City.
"During this NAIDOC Week we not only recognise Aretha Brown's enormous success as an artist, but commit to a sustained effort towards identifying and elevating Indigenous innovation in New York," said Australia's consul-general in New York, Heather Ridout AO.
Now expanding her work even further from Australia, brown's new artwork with Kiss My Art – and collaborative artists – is set to showcase in East Timor.
Whilst more information is yet to be revealed, Kiss My Art mural tour is set to be held from the 17th of September to the 2nd of October.
"From New York to East Timor **KISS MY ART strikes again…. New Country New Mural… stay tuned", reads an Instagram post by Brown.
Featuring talented Kiss My Art Collective creatives such as Tyler Bain, Bec Suaresjury and Lui Tilson, this work is a celebration of not just Brown's skills but the participating Kiss My Art team members.
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Whilst this marks an exciting time for Brown and her creative business, it will sadly be the talented artist's last mural.
"This will be my final mural for the foreseeable future, all current commissions are closed. Thanks so much for understanding. Sincerely an extremely burnt-out painter", said Brown.
With Gill Santos, PRIDE TIMOR and the Australian Embassy supporting this project, Brown is of course extremely grateful to be provided this opportunity despite it being her final mural.
"Thanks everyone for getting this off the ground. I'm SO bloody lucky this is my job", said Brown.
Whilst this may be the artistic individual's final mural we certainly do not believe it will be the last time she picks up a paintbrush.
For an artist who started painting when she was just 12 years old, Brown's career as an artist has stemmed far beyond the realms of murals, galleries and exhibitions.
In summary, Aretha Brown's remarkable journey as an artist, designer and youth activist has not only left an incredible mark on the world of art but continues to inspire change, foster inclusivity and amplify Indigenous voices worldwide.
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