Kyra
Nicola Hooper
- Sitter: Kyra Mancktelow
- Medium: Photography, Lithography & Watercolour
- Dimensions: 98cm x 120cm
- Representation: This artist represents themselves
About the artwork
A Quandamooka artist with links to the Mardigan people of Cunnamulla, Kyra Mancktelow’s works include printmaking, sculpture and ceramics. Her works depict her rich heritage, and also examine the intergenerational trauma which resulted from forced integration on colonial missions.
Nicola Hooper chose to portray her artist friend featuring her totem, the python. Her technique involves drawing the pythons on the lithograph plate, then photographing it and merging it with other portrait photographs she has taken.
“Combining photography and the traditional storytelling technique of lithography allows me to transform Kyra into a python princess, reflecting her deep connection to Country and these incredible creatures.”
Currently undertaking a PhD at QCAD, Griffith University, Kyra Mancktelow has had several solo exhibitions at Sydney’s N. Smith Galleries, and regularly exhibits in group exhibitions. Her work is held in many private and public collections. In 2021, she won the Telstra Emerging Artist Award at the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, and a Special Commendation at the 2021 Churchie National Emerging Art Prize.
About the artist
Nicola Hooper is a Logan based artist and printmaker. She completed a Doctorate in Visual Arts at QCA Griffith University in 2019. Her solo exhibition ZOONOSES is currently touring twelve venues nationally. Her work explores human/animal relationships. Nicola Hooper tutors at Griffith University’s Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art program.
