My picks: nikita Newley’s guide to the festival

A guide to Horizon festival by Nikita newley

Nikita Newley is a self-taught, second generation, artist and proud First Nations woman from all parts of Queensland.

Currently living on Gubbi Gubbi Country, Nikita was born on Gurang Gurang Country, with heritage connected to Wuthati tribe and Darumbal people. She found her passion creating art through her emotions and cultural connection.

We were curious what Nikita was excited for in the program — so we went ahead and asked her. Below are her picks.

dawn awakening

When I first moved back to the coast my now husband spoke about Dawn Awakening. I was so intrigued and excited to see it and now, after a couple of crazy years, we get this amazing opportunity to experience it.

 Photo: ben vos productions

steven oliver: bigger & blacker

I remember seeing Steven Oliver when I was just 16 at a First Nations student event with my school on Bribie Island. I’m looking forward to a good laugh — it’s his Intellectual comedic approach to his stand-up that keeps me so interested years later. One of my favourite charters from Black Comedy on the ABC. 

Images: Dylan Evans

kabi Kabi Connections

I love the beautiful visuals in the exhibition and I’m always looking for more ways to learn about the country I love and live on while I bring up my family — making sure I’m always staying connected to the Traditional Custodians. Hearing the stories and experiencing this offering on country is so special. 

songs of gaia

What can I say? I’m a sucker for instrumentals. As an artist, I find myself getting lost in all sorts of different music. Songs of GAIA will be a wonderful way to get lost in sound as the sun goes down.

Image: Cooper Brady

Reconnect — Kim Schoenberger 

Excited to express myself in a new artist practice and have an artist show me a different way of creating. I enjoy Kim’s work. I feel connected to the way it’s shared and seen. Playing with a different medium is also refreshing.

Image: Kim Schoenberger 
Be sure to check out Nikita’s work here.

check out the full program here.