As part of NAIDOC Week, we welcomed Wadawurrung artist Kait James to the studio to talk to us about her work.

Kait is known for her vibrant textile art, which interrogates themes of identity and cultural representation. She uses techniques such as punch needling and embroidery to transform kitsch materials— like Aboriginal souvenir tea towels from the 1970s and '80s —into bold, satirical artworks that challenge stereotypical depictions of Indigenous culture.

Kait walked us through a series of her artworks – from First People’s Melbourne Art Tram “Hung out to dry” (2024) to Greening the Pipeline (2025), which comprises giant sheoak inspired wind chimes. Vivid and humorous, her works often use song lyrics to critique the commodification and homogenization of Aboriginal identity and reclaim history, culture and self-determination.

Kait’s work has been exhibited at @ngvmelbourne, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Geelong Gallery, @rising.melbourne, @koorieheritagetrust & @neon_parc. She’s also created public art projects across Victoria, including @geelongartscentre, where her 193-panel artwork adorns the building’s entire west façade.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of @naidocweek. Its theme "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy" celebrates “the achievements of the past but also looks to the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors.”

Images by @uxpace_r