Entertainment
28 May, 2023
Passion for paints displayed at The Art Garage
FOR local artisan Kai Hagberg, making jewellery and painting is what defines him as a person and his work is being showcased in his exhibition “Portraits of the Mind” at At The Art Garage in Yungaburra.
Since Kai was a young boy, he was drawn to the different shapes and textures of painting and drawing and would often get in trouble for drawing on the walls at home.
“I am the youngest in my family. I was told by my older brothers that my parents started buying me art supplies,” he said.
“Not so much from a recognition of any talent in me, but out of desperation, to stop me from drawing on wallpapers.
“Art is a form of expression that is core to what makes us human. It's an ancient form of storytelling that connects us to our ancestors.”
Now working as a professional artist every day, Kai has the ability to channel his emotions and talent into his career as a jewellery maker out of Azalea House Studio.
Many artisans across Australia are familiar with his work, being nominated for several national awards including the 2011 Stan and Maureen Duke Gold Coast Art Prize, the Nora Heysen Centenary Art Prize for Still Life and the 2021 Kennedy Art Prize.
He is yet to have a “favourite” piece of art, but he believes that is what motivates him to continue painting.
“In regard to my own work, I think I’m yet to create (my favourite piece). It's what keeps me painting. Each new piece I paint is one step closer to my dream artwork,” he said.
Kai has also used his ability to tell stories through art through storybook illustrations, recently illustrating “Adventures of Rodney and Me” written by Barbara Foster-Rentz.
All of Kai’s work is being displayed in his exhibition “Portraits of the Mind” at At The Art Garage in Yungaburra from 1 May until 30 June.
He will also be hosting a “meet the artist” session from 10am until 12pm on Saturday 10 June, where people can learn more about him and be inspired by his work.
For more information, contact Katie from the garage by emailing katie@attheartgarage.com.au
