Digital @ The Arts Unit Creative Classes

Home: Aboriginal art from NSW – Karla Dickens

Create artworks inspired by the art practice of Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens

Student visual arts resource developed by The Arts Unit in collaboration with the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Years 5 and 6 visual arts

What will I learn?

Wiradjuri artist, Karla Dickens, creates collage-based works and installations using found objects, recycled materials and existing artworks. She often talks about ideas of race, gender and personal life experiences. 

Inspired by the work of Karla Dickens, you are invited to collect, deconstruct and join everyday household materials to make your own collage-based works and installations.   

You will:

Watch the video as Liam Keenan, programs assistant, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at the Art Gallery of NSW, introduces the program Home: Aboriginal art from NSW. 

Home program: introduction 

Duration: 00:29

Before you begin

This class has 2 lessons.  

You'll need artmaking materials, such as:

You'll learn lots of new things about Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens, and you will also create some interesting collage-based artworks and installations.  

There might be some activities where you'll need an adult's help. 

 About

Wiradjuri artist, Karla Dickens, was born in Sydney and now lives and works in Lismore, New South Wales. 

This video introduces Karla’s artworks, Holy Mother 1 (2009) and Black Madonna VI (2009) from the Black Madonna series and A Dickensian Circus (2020) on display as part of NIRIN 2020, Biennale of Sydney.

Watch the video and answer the following questions by writing your answers down:  

Home program: Karla Dickens

Duration: 02:47

Where

Use the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia to find which language group the places listed below are located: 

Image of NSW map showing areas of connection for artist Karla Dickens

What are language groups?

Indigenous nations and language groups cover wide geographical areas, and have distinct borders. Within these nations there can be multiple language groups, and sub-groups based on dialect, which are larger than a family but based on family links through a common ancestry. Each shares a common language and kinship system, which is based on either patrilineal or matrilineal lines of descent.

Lesson 1 – create a collage

In this lesson, you will learn from artist, Karla Dickens, the inspirations and techniques she uses in her collage-inspired artworks.

You will also have the opportunity to create your own collage!

What is a collage?

A collage is an artwork made by gluing pieces of different materials to a flat surface. Examples of materials used include photos, newspaper, coloured and decorative paper, fabrics, ribbons, envelopes, stamps.  

Holy Mother I

Karla Dickens 2009 
Artwork by Karla Dickens, Holy Mother I
Image Courtesy: Karla Dickens 

Lesson 2 – create an installation

In this lesson, you will learn from artist, Karla Dickens, the inspirations and techniques she uses when creating an installation.

You will also have the opportunity to create your own installation.

What is an installation?

Installation art is a form of visual art that is often created for a specific place. Installations can be made from any materials, are often large-scale and surround the viewer.

Installations often aim to change the way a space is seen.  This is called perception. 

They are often shown in galleries, museums and public spaces.  Installations can be permanent or temporary additions to a space. 

Installation view, 22nd Biennale of Sydney, NIRIN featuring a Dickensian Circus by Karla Dickens, Art Gallery of New South Wales

Installation view, 22nd Biennale of Sydney, NIRIN featuring a Dickensian Circus by Karla Dickens, Art Gallery of New South Wales
Image Courtesy: Karla Dickens  

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