It is with great excitement that we introduce emerging Queensland artist CLAUDIA MOODOONUTHI in her first solo exhibition at Alcaston Gallery.

Born in 1995, Claudia spent the first seven years of her life on Bentinck Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, and was raised by her grandmother, the late MAY MOODOONUTHI, one the renowned seven ‘sisters’ artists who exploded onto the Australian contemporary art scene in 2005.

Even after relocating to the western side of the Cape York Peninsula, Claudia felt close ties to her country and family on Bentinck and Mornington Islands. She developed a strong desire to follow in the footsteps of her grandmother May and the other Kaiadilt women, including SALLY GABORI and NETTA LOOGATHA, and paint the stories associated with the tropical landscape of Bentinck Island.

This deep connection to country and family permeates throughout the bold imagery and vibrant colour in Claudia’s paintings, with her style so greatly influenced by her grandmother that all the Kaiadilt women lovingly refer to her as “little May”.

In 2012, Claudia Moodoonuthi had her first ever solo exhibition at Woolloongabba Art Gallery, Brisbane, and was named WINNER of the Gold Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award 2012. Alcaston Gallery is thrilled to present new paintings by this exciting young Queensland artist, who represents the next generation of Bentinck Island art.

Courtesy of Alcaston Gallery