Superpowered

Superpowered brings four fantastic free interactive projects by Indigenous artists to the Children's Art Centre at GOMA until July 16, 2023.

The Australian artists – Kaylene Whiskey (Yankunytjatjara people), Tony Albert (Girramay/Yidinyji/Kuku Yalanji peoples), Gordon Hookey (Waanyi people) and Vincent Namatjira (Western Arrernte people) use their voices and their art to empower Aboriginal people and create inspirational imagery for all children.

Together, the artists have created an immersive world full of cheeky humour and courageous characters for young visitors to explore.

Kaylene Whiskey creates colourful, humorous paintings that celebrate strong kungkas (women). The artist often paints herself and her heroes – including pop culture icons Dolly Parton and Wonder Woman – having fun in the remote Indigenous community where she lives.

In Super Party, children can draw a party scene featuring their heroes, and add cut out elements from the collage sheets provided.

Tony Albert often works closely with other artists, communities and organisations, believing that one of the best ways to learn from and connect with people is to live and work together.

In Warakurna Warriors, children can create their own digital superhero identity and costume. This activity was inspired by the artist’s photographic series ‘Warakurna Superheroes’, which was made in collaboration with children from the remote community of Warakurna in Western Australia.

Gordon Hookey’s artworks are inspired by Australian history and everyday life. He often uses native Australian animals, such as the kangaroo, to represent Australian Indigenous people.

In the mask-making activity Make a Roo, children can take on their own heroic kangaroo persona and have their photo taken on The Sacred Hill, inspired by the artist’s story

Vincent Namatjira paints portraits of important historical figures, from his grandfather Albert Namatjira to international heads of state, and Australian politicians.

In the multimedia interactive Power Portraits, children, who are usually deprived of any real power or influence, can place themselves within a virtual portrait and adopt ‘power icons’ such as crowns and hats inspired by the artist’s paintings.

*GOMA is open daily from 10am-5pm except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.

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