DIFFERENT IN EVERY SENSE
$360
This piece features my current Territorian characters who are personifications of the NT towns. They are positioned according to the geography but flipped, so from the bottom is the Top End and upwards is the Red Centre (ironic, right). The iconic NT colour serves as the backdrop which matches with the sole redheaded character who is none other than Darwin, the Territory’s capital and our main protagonist.
The characters are drawn in a cel shaded style, as if they’re all straight from a Japanese anime series. The reason I’ve created the characters as personifications is to represent and explore the different places of Australia in a typical anime fashion. I’ve always wanted to create an anime-inspired series set in Australia, specifically Darwin where I was born and raised. I want to share my experiences growing up here and shine a positive light to the NT. These characters capture a snapshot of the Territory and I want young people to see themselves through them.
The title of the piece is taken from a Tourism NT campaign. We don’t have an official motto so this slogan gives a more informal feel which fits with the easy-going image of the Territory. I interpret the slogan as “embracing authenticity and living your truth” which reflects through my characters. While being personifications, they still have their own identity separate from the towns they represent.
Digital illustration print
42 x 29.7cm
Artist Statement: Ifa is an emerging Indonesian-Australian artist, born and bred in Garramilla/Darwin. With a distinct passion for character design and storytelling, she is known online for her personified characters of the Aussie cities. Much inspired by her own experiences and the media she consumes, Ifa wishes to capture the magic in the mundane through Aussie lenses.
In 2022, Ifa held her first solo exhibition, “Into the Top End”, through the NXT Gen ARTS grant where she interned with Darwin Visual Arts. She has previously been involved with LAUNCH Darwin and is also the Darwin winner for 2023 ABC Heywire. This year, Ifa participated in the Darwin Street Art Festival with a new pop-up installation featuring characters inspired by the city’s history.
Contact Tactile Arts on 08 8981 6616 or admin@tactilearts.org.au to purchase.
