Exhibitions

Biography

Bonnie Starick is a pakana woman of the Trawlwoolway nation from the Country of Trebrakunna. Her blood lines come from a long line of strong women; Grandmothers Emmerenna, Wathikawitja and Elizabeth Maynard.

Bonnie has completed a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts and has a strong passion for First Nations arts and culture. She takes pride in creating and supporting every opportunity to give back to her Community, through the arts, cultural practices and education.

Bonnie’s passion is curation, having curated for First Nations exhibitions at Nayri Niara and the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. As well as being an arts worker, Bonnie is an artist who enjoys most art forms, having a strong focus on photography, painting and textile design.

Artist statement

Blak Enough, 2022

I have long struggled with the notion: Am I Blak enough?

What does being Blak look like? What does being Blak feel like?

Ever since I was a baby, I have been connected with my Community, surrounded by my Elders and out on Country with my family, it seems that’s not Blak enough.

My light skin is the only thing others see, and the constant questioning of “how Aboriginal are you?” I have always responded with sarcasm, like “Oh it’s only in my big toe” or give some random percentage like “I'm 32.65 percent Aboriginal”, which they would laugh at, as they had no idea how offensive they were being, and I found some joy in making them feel uncomfortable.

As a light-skinned Aboriginal, I have found that I surround myself with objects and clothing that physically signify my Aboriginality, by having Aboriginal art, the Aboriginal flag and its colours in my home and by wearing Aboriginal made and inspired clothing. My home is adorned with things that reinforce my passion, resilience and commitment to my Culture, my people and my Country.

– Bonnie Starick, proud pakana woman of Tebrakunna lutruwita

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