Dhulubang-galang Waganha-awaygunha (Spirits Dancing), 2023, Acrylic on canvas, 61 x 61cm, $750

This piece tells a story of Bla(c)k trans joy that transcends the physical form. The pink and the blue patches are the dancing spirits of trans mob that exist outside of the Western gender binary. Although these colours are traditionally associated with masculinity and femininity, the Bla(c)k trans body and spirit resists these binaries and define themselves through their own embodiments of queerness and identity. Our spirits exist within Sky Country (murriyang) which exists above us - external from the earth. While our physical selves dance on the earth, our spiritual selves dance in the murriyang.

The white patterns within each dancing spirit represent the ongoing dances within ourselves. While we use our bodies and our spirits to dance, our movements are given meaning by who we are and who/what has informed how we live today. There's complexity in our lived and soon-to-be lived experiences. The feelings we associate with our different experiences - such as joy, grief, anger, and confusion - are what define and inform our understandings of ourselves and the world. I see the intertwining of our experiences, feelings, connections to Country and community, and expressions of ourselves as an 'internal' dance. Our internal dance becomes one with our external dances, creating a meaningful and life-long expression of movement and joy.

There's so much beauty in our bodies and spirits that are constantly subject to colonial violence. Our sources of resistance and healing come from our deep connections to our families and communities, particularly our Bla(c)k queer and trans kin. Our physical and spiritual bodies deserve to heal alongside our kin, and what better way to do that than dancing with each other.