Yang’s kulture on canvas

MY kulture is the first-ever solo exhibition of local Nuer South-Sudanese artist Nyagak Yang, currently presented by the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s Backspace.

Featuring all new paintings and drawings, Yang’s show shares her refugee perspective, having arrived in Australia in 2005 after living in a camp in Ethiopia.

“Most of my work is based on social and political issues, like police brutality, Eurocentric beauty standards, and the culture clash of being South-Sudanese in Australia as a westernised country,” she said.

“The purpose of my art is to evoke emotions within in audience. I don’t paint with a specific meaning, I love people to interpret it themselves, look deeply and tell me what they see.

“I’ve never been chosen to be the main artist, so this exhibition is an amazing experience that will open more opportunities later on.”

Yang is part of a hugely creative family. Her mother was a beader and her father was a sewer, while her five older siblings used to also paint and draw.

Throughout her practice and life, Yang takes a lot of inspiration from her mum.

“She came here not knowing any type of word in English but built a home for us and gave us opportunities to learn and create,” she said.

Yang’s debut show is also a chance for the Art Gallery of Ballarat and Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council to collaborate.

BRMC executive officer Ann Foley said the partnership celebrates Refugee Week while promoting young talent.

“It reveals and shares the artistry in the community,” she said.

“Many migrant and refugee artists face more barriers than other artists when networking and accessing opportunities to exhibit, so this is really quite special.

“The show is a real glimpse into the perspective of Nyagak and her family’s journey, and the really intelligent insights that come through her work.”

Gallery director Louise Tegart said the institution is delighted to boost a young artist at the beginning of their professional practice.

Artist to Artist, a program from Sunshine’s South Sudanese Minds is coming to the Gallery on Saturday, 31 July, uniting creatives with conversation and music.

Visit bit.ly/3jawqYS for more information.