Year 7 Painting - Cabra Dominican College

James Tylor is a multi-disciplinary artist of Kaurna, Māori (Te Arawa) and European ancestry whose practice explores relationships between history, identity and Country. Working across photography, moving image, sculpture and cultural object-making, curating and writing, Tylor investigates how Australia's colonial past continues to shape the present. The result of extensive research, and lived experience, his work invites viewers to look beyond familiar narratives and consider whose stories have been told, whose have been withheld, and how art can contribute to a future of truth-telling.

Stories, culture and creativity on canvas

Year 7 students painted cultural tools and meaningful family objects, inspired by James Tylor's work exploring living culture and history through Kaurna tools, whilst also learning about colour theory using acrylic paint.

From traditionally woven Welsh baskets and Italian coffee pots to sporting equipment, Cuckoo clocks and Ukrainian egg-painting tools, students selected objects that tell stories of family, heritage and personal identity. Through careful observation, colour mixing and tonal painting techniques, they transformed these everyday objects into artworks that celebrate the rich diversity of our community.

Created on Kaurna Country, this collection reflects the power of objects to carry stories across generations. A colourful celebration of culture, connection and belonging.

Sally Lawrey | Art Teacher at Cabra Dominican College