Withewa is a visual exploration of love, grief and time. I created these works to honour my family legacy, and to pay respect to those who came before me. 

I’m incredibly grateful to have been raised by staunch Blak women, who have survived unfathomable traumas at the hands of this colony. My matriarchs harness humour, wisdom and creativity despite this. 

I grew up off country, on Yorta Yorta Woka, Wurundjeri & Boonwurrung lands of the Kulin Nations. 

Through this series, I explore my feelings of homesickness, grief and ancestral memory. Though I spent most of my life off country, I frequently dream of Moonacullah. My family and I have moved around a lot, but no matter where we landed, my Mum made sure to instill cultural knowledge, practice and pride in her children, making sure we know who we are and where we come from.

Family members featured: Margaret Tang, Damien Goodall, Paola Balla, Katen Balla, Rosie Kalina.

In remembrance of Rose ‘Rosie’ Tang, Hilda Walker, Maureen Tang.

Rosie Kalina is a proud Wemba Wemba and Gundjitmara Queer woman. Rosie’s background is in visual arts and curating, makeup artistry, community arts work and event producing. Rosie has engaged in multiple First Nations youth-led projects, such as co-curating the ‘Blak to the Future’ series at Footscray Community Arts (2018 - 2020). Rosie made her directorial debut in 2023 with ‘Tomorrow: the experience’ an experimental First Nations Fashion extravaganza, presented by YIRRAMBOI. Determined to create more culturally safe opportunities for First Nations people in the arts, Rosie focuses on accessibility and creative pathways in her role within YIRRAMBOI. Rosie aims to ensure First Nations autonomy and truth telling are at the forefront of every project she is part of, with the guidance of her Elders and community.