With more than 100 artists and 30 art centres taking part, the National Indigenous Art Fair is returning to Sydney during NAIDOC Week from this Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5. Presented by First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, NIAF is a commission-free event taking over Cutaway at Barangaroo, with 100% of sales returned directly to participating art centres. We have been speaking to a handful of the inspiring artists taking part, including Karen Rogers from Ngukurr Community and the Ngukurr Arts Centre:

Tell us about the work you are showcasing at this years National Indigenous Art Fair?

This work is about life at Ngukurr, life out bush, camping, getting broken down, and connection with culture and family.

What was inspiring you while you created these pieces?

I was inspired by memories of life here at Ngukurr. I remember one time when I went out bush and this actually happened. I went out with my family, we got bogged so we stayed for the night until help arived. It was a good memory of family telling stories around the campfire.

What is your process? What comes first? How do you know when a piece is finished?

Before I paint I think of a story I want to paint, then I write up the story in Kriol using a storyboard. I know when a painting is finished by standing back, looking at the whole painting and then I can see if it's finished.

Do you listen to music when creating? What has been on your playlist for this work?

Sometimes I like to listen to country pop and 80s and 90s when I paint.

How do you hope people take from viewing your work?

I hope they love what I do. I hope people feel interested in bush life.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the National Indigenous Art Fair?

To be a part of the National Indigenous Art Fair means everything to me, sharing my artwork with a different crowd.

Which other artists are inspiring you or exciting you right now?

I'm inspired by all the artists around me at the Ngukurr Art Center.

Do you remember the first piece of art that had a profound impact on you when you were younger and inspired you to begin painting?

That comes from my grandmother. I remember that she used to paint which brought me to doing painting. It was once I started painting at Batchelor Institute that I saw a painting from my Grandmother for the first time since I was young.

What’s something, aside from art, that is important for you that you want to use your platform for?

The Kriol language we speak here is really important, and I want to use my art as a platform to share language.

What’s next for you?

Next I've got a group show at Brunswick Street Gallery with other artists from Ngukurr, and a ceramic residency in NSW Newcastle, which then will lead to an exhibition in Melbourne.

Top image: "Kambek brom Skul (Come back from school)"

niaf.com.au