VPLA 2026 The Art of Kaylene Whiskey: Do You Believe in Love?

Title: The Art of Kaylene Whiskey: Do You Believe in Love?
Authors: Kaylene Whiskey, Natalie King OAM and Iwantja Arts
Publisher: Thames and Hudson Australia

Shortlist: Indigenous Writing

Kaylene Whiskey's paintings dazzle with brightly coloured pop stars rendered in dots and set amongst her own community in remote Central Australia. She depicts female pop culture icons - including Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Catwoman, Cher and Wonder Woman - all connected to the Kungkarangkalpa Tjukurpa, or Seven Sisters Story. These heroines, however, are shown partying at Iwantja Art Centre in Indulkana, South Australia.

Her comic-book style and text bubbles are hilarious yet potent symbols of female power in an Aboriginal setting. A joyful visual anthem, Whiskey's work draws from the country music, rock'n'roll and Anangu songs played in her household growing up. An in-depth interview with the artist punctuates the richly illustrated pages in which Whiskey describes her creative process - blending Anangu traditions with contemporary culture by painting jugs of Coca-Cola alongside mingkulpa (native bush tobacco), lollipops, honey ants and love hearts.

Edited by the renowned curator Natalie King and the team at Iwantja Arts, The Art of Kaylene Whiskey: Do You Believe in Love? is the first major monograph on the artist. Colourfully designed throughout and featuring a dynamic lenticular cover, the volume also includes contributions from notable creatives Taika Waititi, Jazz Money, Zoé Whitley, Clothilde Bullen and April Phillips.

Judges’ Report

This vibrant volume celebrates the unmistakable visual language of Kaylene Whiskey, whose art fuses pop-culture joy, community pride and sharp cultural commentary. The editorial guidance of Natalie King and the collaborative strength of Iwantja Arts frame Whiskey’s work with clarity, respect and contextual richness. The book balances humour, politics and everyday life, foregrounding a practice rooted in Anangu experience yet resonant far beyond it. Whiskey’s imagery is playful and empowered, delighting in colour and character while refusing simplification and this publication honours her creative world on its own terms, offering readers an energetic, affirming and culturally grounded artistic encounter. An absolute joy!