Ms. Kaylene Whiskey

Kaylene Whiskey is a celebrated Aṉangu artist from Indulkana in South Australia’s APY Lands, known for her vibrant and distinctive contemporary practice. Working from Iwantja Arts, she combines traditional cultural stories with elements of popular culture to create bold, joyful works that celebrate strong Aboriginal women, community life and connection to Country.

Her work has received significant recognition, including the Sir John Sulman Prize (2018) and the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award for General Painting (2019), and she has been a finalist in the Archibald Prize. Her artworks are held in major collections and exhibited across Australia and internationally.

Whiskey’s practice strengthens visibility and appreciation of Aboriginal culture, communicating the resilience, humour and strength of Aṉangu women while challenging stereotypes of remote communities. By blending cultural narratives with global icons, she engages diverse audiences in accessible and unapologetic ways.

Continuing to live and work in her community, Kaylene Whiskey is an inspiring role model whose success highlights the importance of community-led art, cultural continuity and self-determination in the arts.