Kait James: Red Flags
Published on 16 January 2026
Wangaratta Art Gallery is proud to present Wadawurrung artist Kait James’ most ambitious solo exhibition to date, Kait James: Red Flags.
Since 2018, James has been carving out a unique visual language based in the reappropriation of racialised products. Colloquially identified as ‘Aboriginalia’, these mass-produced, commercial objects range from souvenir tea towels and pennant flags to children’s dolls and ceramic figurines. Primarily created from the 1950s through to the 1980s for consumption by non-Indigenous tourists, the items depict culturally insensitive and racially stereotyped imagery, designs and motifs.
The exhibition includes tea towels, screen prints, large-scale fabric collages, ceramic wall figurines, and felt pennant flags - all representing their own ‘Red Flags’ based on iconography – known or unknown.
On creating the works and themes for the exhibition, Kait James said:
“This has been an experience! I’ve explored Creation stories, contentious icons of Australia, political pathways, languages lost and found and have uncovered underlying truths of travelling and visiting Country for tourism without knowledge. My new works are to be studied by the visitor, and I encourage a second look at each one, as an invitation to dive deeper into culture, Country and conversation.”
Warrnambool Art Gallery Director and Curator of Kait James: Red Flags, Aaron Bradbrook, said:
“Not only is this collection of works by Kait James an important recording of Australia’s cultural and political history, but it also adds present day commentary making it relevant for today’s audiences. This expansive and hyper-coloured exhibition presents audiences with the opportunity to delve deeper into Australia’s contentious political history. Kait’s playful yet sophisticated deployment of colour and humour penetrates the human consciousness like a warm knife through butter.”
Since beginning her career in 2018, Kait James, represented by Neon Parc, has carved out a practice of subversion. James’ work, now renowned for its political commentary and pop culture references, is exemplified by her textile practice including embroidery, found imagery, and the reinterpretation of language.
Wangaratta Art Gallery Director Rachel Arndt says:
“We’re delighted to present Kait James: Red Flags at Wangaratta Art Gallery. This remarkable exhibition brings a unique perspective to our community. Combining autobiography and wry humour, Kait James’ practice reveals a deep reverence for her culture alongside a glimpse into a shared ‘Australian’ First Nations experience. We are pleased to host this important exhibition here in Wangaratta.
The exhibition will run from 24 January to 22 March 2026.
Artist Kait James will be in conversation with exhibition curator, Aaron Bradbrook before the opening of the exhibition, Kait James: Red Flags on Friday 30 January at 5pm.
The conversation will be an opportunity for audiences to hear directly from the artist about her practice, how she approaches artmaking, the ideas explored in her artwork, materials and processes used, and broader ideas about contemporary art and First Nations culture.
An exhibition opening celebration will follow the in conversation on Friday 30 January from 5.30pm. All welcome.
Colour of Puddles by artists Boni Cairncross, James Lieutenant and Kate Vassallo will open at the same time. Colour of Puddles features new and existing work by artists Boni Cairncross, James Lieutenant and Kate Vassallo.
Kait James will also be hosting a children’s workshop on Saturday 31 January 2026, 10.30am - 12.30pm. Participants will create their own mini flag embellished with unique messages that they can take home.
Please visit www.wangarattaartgallery.com.au for further information.
Kait James: Red Flags is a Warrnambool Art Gallery exhibition, curated by Aaron Bradbrook and touring nationally with NETS Victoria.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and the Visions of Australia program, and has received development assistance from NETS Victoria’s Exhibition Development Fund, supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
Image 1: Kait James, I should be so lucky 2024, acrylic yarn, cotton, digital printed cotton, felt, high vis fabric, metallic fabric, 150 x 140 x 10 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Neon Parc. Photo: Christian Capurro
Image 2: Kait James, Dot Dot Dot (Sequin), 2024, cotton, sequins on printed cotton, 76.5 x 47.5 x 7cm. Courtesy of the artist and Neon Parc. Photo: Christian Capurro.
Image 3: Kait James, Faboriginal, 2024, acrylic yarn, cotton, digital printed cotton, mirror tiles, felt, 150 x 140 x 10cm. Courtesy of the artist and Neon Parc. Photo: Christian Capurro.