'I am a woman and I am shimmering.'
Shimmer seeks to explore the contemporary experience of being a First Nations person. The title is inspired by a public Arrernte women’s ceremony shared by very senior knowledge-holder MK Turner OAM. The lyrics are 'altyerre ayenge alhelharrke-parrkaye' which translates to 'I am a woman and I am shimmering.' Not only is it a powerful, joyful assertion of Altyere (dreaming) and matriachy, it connotes spiritual power, an inherent energy. Like shimmering light, it is a contiguity that is ever-present, infusing memory, and even paint.
Thea is a finalist in 2021 Archibal Prize and The Telstra NATSIA Award. This is Thea's first exhibition since winning the Alice Prize and the Dreaming Award in 2020.
