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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Lifestyle
Beejay Silcox

The joyful world of Kaylene Whiskey: the Indigenous artist pulling Dolly Parton and Wonder Woman into the outback

Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey poses in front of a painting in her Super Kaylene Whiskey exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra, Australia
Kaylene Whiskey’s art is a love letter to Kungka Kuṉpu (strong women). Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/The Guardian

Kaylene Whiskey’s sneakers are so silver they’re making the light dance. She’s wearing one of her signature jumpers and sparkly Christmas earrings. The gleefully bold Yankunytjatjara artist is ready for a party, and she’s brought that mood to the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) for the launch of Super Kaylene Whiskey. Forget hushed, white-walled reverence: this showcase exhibition erupts in celebration. Big colour, big mischief, big joy.

It demands a soundtrack, and there is one: Cher, Abba, David Bowie, Boney M. And Dolly Parton, of course – always and forever Dolly. When she’s painting, Whiskey cranks up the music and works 9 to 5, Dolly-style.

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