Zowie Baumgart

Kombumerri and Butchulla woman

Zowie Baumgart is an artist whose work represents the combined narratives of her parents' clans, the Kombumerri of South Stradbroke Island and the Butchulla people of Maryborough and K'Gari. She bridges the gap between traditional Indigenous art and contemporary styles using a wide range of artistic mediums.

@zowie.aboriginalart

Artworks

Boobie Sista

This piece represents the ongoing support women give each other when suffering with breast cancer.

4 years ago, my best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. Not being able to take no for an answer, I shaved my head with her and raised some money for herself and her family to go on a holiday once treatment was all over. Amazingly, she beat the cancer and is now living her life to the fullest.

We came up with this piece together. The circle represents the meeting space for all women battling this illness. The rainbow shapes around the circle represent the women and all the people that helped them through this rough time. Women supporting women in a very special way.

Connection

This piece represents the connection made throughout life. Connections with love, friends, memories and life experiences. Life is always a big journey and every single step throughout your life will make an impact. It could be a small impact or a massive impact but at the end of it, it creates the person that you are today. From the people you meet, whether they stay in your life forever or just a short interaction. The memorable moments that stay with you throughout life, good or bad. Also all of life’s amazing experiences.

Mountains

This piece represents the hinterland on a beautiful day. The mountains shining under the sun. This piece will always be very special to me as this was my very first piece ever painted and released to the public. This piece represents an amazing day in the hinterlands, Sun shining over the mountains and bringing everyone together. I painted this piece for the beautiful sunrises/sunset that we see either rising or setting behind the mountains on this amazing country.

Family

I wanted to represent family gathering around together.

Every family has their story whether it be the happy times, sad times and everything else in-between. I wanted this piece to be seen and connected with on an emotional level.

I hope this piece can be worn with pride.