ARTIST SPOTLIGHT : KATIE WALATINNIA: ARTWORKS FROM THE BUNGALOW

Katie Walatinna is part of a new generation of First Nations artists whose work is deeply grounded in family, community and Country. Based at Indulkana on the APY Lands, Walatinna grew up surrounded by painting, first accompanying her mother, Jeannie, to the art centre where she watched her create works inspired by the ridges and contours of their Country. She also paints alongside her aunt, respected artist Rosalind Tjanyari, continuing a family tradition that has shaped her artistic voice from childhood. Rather than working in isolation, Walatinna embraces the shared creative energy of the studio, explaining, "I like the feeling of everyone being in the space together… I'm working on my own paintings, but I'm not alone." Her paintings reflect this sense of connection, celebrating both the physical landscape and the relationships that bind people to place.

Walatinna's Ghost Gum series captures the striking forms of these iconic trees with expressive layers of colour and texture, transforming familiar elements of the desert landscape into works of quiet strength and beauty. For Walatinna, the trees are inseparable from the Country that inspires her every day, and her paintings convey both their physical presence and their cultural significance. Her growing reputation was recognised in Vogue Australia, which profiled her as one of a new wave of influential Indigenous creatives.. As the feature observed, Walatinna's artistic journey has come full circle—from helping her mother paint as a child to establishing her own distinctive practice while working beside the women who first inspired her.

We invite you to view an exciting collection of Katie’s artworks from her Ghost Gum series below. A price list can be requested at enquiries@shortstgallery.com.