Kyra Mancktelow (Quandamooka, Mardigan)

'Any history to do with Australia I consider haunting.’

Kyra Mancktelow’s multidisciplinary practice explores the legacies of colonialism, asking how we remember and acknowledge Indigenous histories.

A Quandamooka artist with links to the Mardigan people of Cunnamulla, Kyra works across printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture—each with a distinct aesthetic. She uses diverse materials to share her rich heritage and stories, educating audiences and deepening her connection to Country. Her printmaking addresses intergenerational trauma from forced integration on missions, while her sculptures use local materials like clay, emu feathers, and Talwalpin (cotton tree).

Kyra is currently undertaking a PhD at Queensland College of Art and regularly exhibits in solo and group shows nationwide. In 2021, she won the Telstra Emerging Artist Award at the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards and received a Special Commendation at the Churchie National Emerging Art Prize.

09_Amy Hammond_Dhinawangu Walay (Emu Country)_Courtesy of Tamworth Regional Gallery

Dancing Hands

June 28 — August 2, 2025

Curated by Maya Hodge (Lardil)

Dancing Hands showcases six Aboriginal women artists at different stages of their careers working across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia.

Through their craft, these artists illuminate the enduring strength of First Peoples' storytelling, culture and community. Each artist brings their unique experiences and creative approaches, contributing to the rich tapestry of contemporary Aboriginal art and design.

Learn more