Nicole Monks
Newcastle, NSW
Nicole Monks is a Newcastle-based, trans-disciplinary artist and designer of Yamaji Wajarri, Dutch and English heritage. Living and working on Awabakal and Worimi lands, Monk’s practice is informed by her cross-cultural identity. Her work uses storytelling as a way to connect the past with the present and future. Her designs take a conceptual approach that are embedded with narratives and aim to promote cross-cultural understanding and communication.
Monks crosses artforms to work with furniture and objects, textiles, video, installation and performance. Across these varied forms of contemporary art and design, her work reflects Aboriginal philosophies of sustainability, innovation and collaboration.
Recent exhibitions and public art commissions include Linear, Powerhouse Museum, NSW (2020); Sculpture by The Sea (in collaboration with Boeree, Townsend, Egan & Leha), Cottesloe, WA (2020); Cammeraygal barani nung barrabugu, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW (2020); miyarnuwimanha, The Lock Up, NSW (2020). Monks won the Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Art Award as part of the 33rd Telstra NATSIA Award, Museum & Gallery Northern Territory, NT (2016).