ARTWORKS THAT CELEBRATE ABUNDANCE & JOY!

“They, Them, Their”

Finalist, Brisbane Portrait prize, 2021

All about the painting & process

Brisbane student of Bio Medical Research (Fertility and Embryology) Cael Kilham introduces their identity — Human — into current discourse on gender diversity. Cael also proffers supporting testimony, in a many-sexed bouquet of Australian native flowers. These strange and surprising structures, the sexual organs of plants, are indisputably considered beautiful whether unisexual, male, female, entire, imperfect, or otherwise. Widespread acceptance of all humans regardless of their gender or sexuality lags sadly behind these recognised biological realities.
This painted comment on gender inclusivity required vulnerability and great trust between the sitter & the artist. Cael’s quietly accusatory stare as they forcefully thrust this bouquet at the viewer reminds us of our human responsibility to carry some weight in this crucial new conversation; to witness, support, and to accept the truths of “other”.