Superpowered: on Tour

Superpowered: on Tour

QAGOMA Kids on Tour

The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Children’s Art Centre and Regional Services is delighted to bring the interactive kids on tour program Superpowered on Tour 2023, to Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum.

Superpowered brings together four interactive projects by Indigenous Australian artists – Kaylene Whiskey (Yankunytjatjara people), Tony Albert (Girramay/Yidinyji/Kuku Yalanji peoples), Gordon Hookey (Waanyi people) and Vincent Namatjira (Western Aranda people) – who use their voices and their art to empower Aboriginal people and create inspirational imagery for all children.

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

KAYLENE WHISKEY- SUPER PARTY 

Kaylene Whiskey creates colourful, humorous paintings that celebrate strong kungkas (women). Often, Kaylene will paint 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- WARAKURNA WARRIORS 

Tony Albert often works closely with other artists, communities and organisations. He believes 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 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- MAKE A ROO 

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 make and decorate their own heroic kangaroo persona mask.

VINCENT NAMATJIRA- POWER PORTRAITS 

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

In the interactive Power Portraits, children, who are usually deprived of any real power or influence, can place the ‘power icons’ such as crowns and hats inspired by the artist’s paintings, onto themselves and take photos!