14 Inspiring First Nations Artists to Follow on Instagram

2. Mia Boe 

Murri artist Mia Boe’s work has appeared in her home city’s Institute of Modern Art and the Museum of Brisbane, where she completed a residency. Exploring (among other things) the experiences and struggles unique to First Nations people, Mia says her work aims to “record and recover Indigenous histories which Australia seeks to deny.”

Follow her on Instagram @miaboe.art.

4. Daisy Hill

Gold Coast-based artist Daisy Hill’s style is intricate dot painting - the traditional art form of her Muruwari mob. She also uses a combination of Aboriginal language symbols along with her own interpretation, to tell stories and keep the traditions of her people alive.

“It is a way for me to feel connected to the Motherland - the trees, the water, the sand, the sun, the earth and the animals,” she writes on her site. “It's a way for me to convey the beauty I see in all things. A way for me to express my gratitude and to acknowledge the Country I am walking, living and breathing.”

Her detailed designs can take up to 40 hours to complete.

Follow Daisy on Instagram @daisy_in_dots.

6. Brad Turner 

Proud Bundjalung man and contemporary Indigenous artist Brad Turner managed to turn his passion for art into a full-time job and flourishing business during 2020. The artist’s creativity stemmed from a young age when he would watch his grandfather paint, but it wasn’t until recently when his daughter showed interest in their culture and heritage did he revisit his hobby.

In the short time between quitting his job as a bus driver to bravely embarking on his own business venture, Brad’s work has been featured on the finale of popular TV show The Block and he’s even nailed a double spread feature in Inside Out magazine. His art focuses on earthy tones like yellow ochre, raw sienna and soft yellow-pink to ultimately create pieces that evoke a sense of calm - perfect for the bedroom if you ask us.

Follow Brad on Instagram @bradturnercreative_.

8. Glenda, Jaunita, Dale and Cheryl McCulloch

Cungelella Art was originally founded in 2019 by Genda McCulloch and soon expanded as a collaboration to include her sisters - Jaunita, Dale and Cheryl. Together, they saw a better opportunity to create a legacy through their artwork and share their culture, all while being able to spend more quality family time together.

The sisters grew up influenced by artists and creatives - their grandparents, uncles and aunties would teach them about carvings and paintings, and traditional art of the region. They’ve taken this traditional knowledge to put a creative modern spin on contemporary Aboriginal art that is inspired by the rugged and rust-coloured lands of Kalkatungu Country. If you want their art on more than just a canvas, you can also find it printed on yoga mats, jewellery and clothing, amongst other items.

Follow them on Instagram @cungelella_art.

10. Emma Hollingsworth

Proud Kaanju, Kuku Ya'u and Girrimay woman Emma Hollingsworth, juggles multiple roles as an artist, businesswoman and model. She spends her days creating brightly coloured, intricate paintings that tell stories inspired by her heritage for her self-run art store Mulganai.

From a young age, Emma knew she wanted to be an artist (her mother would even catch her drawing on the walls) and as she travelled around Australia with her family visiting many Aboriginal communities, she soaked in her surroundings to inspire the art she creates today. Follow her for a daily dose of inspiration and positivity - plus, you can even find her on TikTok.

Follow Emma on Instagram @mulganai.

12. KT Aboriginal Fine Art

Artist Kelly Taylor’s artworks are a depiction of her childhood days. She has passed down what she’s learnt to her three daughters T'keyah, Kelilah, and Taliyah who are producing equally as impressive work. Their finely detailed paintings are vibrant and inject colour and pattern into the homes they hang within.

Follow Emma on Instagram @ktaboriginalfineart

14. Yarli Creative

Maddy Connors is a proud Yorta Yorta (Wolithica clan), Dja Dja Wurrung (Moomnom Gunditj Bee clan) and Gamilaroi woman. Her beautiful artworks range from playful to empowering. Her most profound artworks are heavily intertwined with Human Rights advocacy, Aboriginal affairs, and women's health awareness. Being creative provides Maddy with a sense of healing.

Follow Maddy on Instagram @yarli_creative