Join Melbourne Art Foundation Board Director, Jack Wilkie-Jans, as he speaks with Jarra Karalinar Steel on her unique and distinctive multi-arts practice, as well as her Boonwurrung culture, Country and histories. Audiences will learn how these inspire Jarra’s sculptural work and aesthetic, and grounds her ethical approach to producing work with new and emerging technologies, as she creates animations and video games. Jarra will also share insights into her recent residency in Paris, France.
Jarra Karalinar Steel (Boonwurrung, Wemba Wemba and Trawlwoolway) is a multidisciplinary artist based in Euro Yuroke (St Kilda) on Boonwurrung Country, Melbourne. Her practice spans public installations and digital works, experimental game design and community led projects, exploring Blak Futurism, identity and future folklore through contemporary Boonwurrung visual language. She grew up surrounded by the Urban Koorie and Torres Strait Islander, Melbourne artist community in the late 80s and 90’s, which sparked a love for the creative arts.
Jarra is a PhD candidate at RMIT School of Design and a current Rupert Bunny Fellow. She holds a Master of Arts (Art in Public Spaces) from RMIT and a Bachelor of Production (Costume and Prop Design) from the Victorian College of the Arts. From 2022–2024, she curated the RISING Melbourne Art Trams, commissioning contemporary Indigenous artists in public space. Her recent international work includes the Galang Artist Residency in Paris.
To attend this conversation, please ensure you’ve purchased your Melbourne Art Fair ticket.
This conversation is curated by Janina Harding (VFPADF), and presented by Guardian Australia.