Life in Coen: Through the looking glass with Naomi Hobson
Queensland Indigenous artist Naomi Hobson’s photographic works of life in Coen on Cape York offer a fascinating window into her world.
Adolescent Wonderland, a solo exhibition by Queensland Indigenous artist Naomi Hobson, is a deeply personal and vibrant exhibition offering a window into Hobson’s unique artistic vision and her connection to community, culture and country.
Hobson, a multi-disciplinary artist, engages audiences with her work in painting, photography and ceramics. A winner of The Mervyn Moriarty Landscape Award, her art is renowned for its evocative use of colour and abstract compositions that bridge individuality and collective identity.
In Adolescent Wonderland – presented by Flying Arts Alliance and on show at the Judith Wright Arts Centre until November 18 – Hobson delves into themes of youth, joy and love, using her signature vibrant palette to tell stories that are symbolic of the lives of young people in her hometown of Coen on Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula.
This exhibition is a celebration of culture, resilience and authenticity. Her photography captures everyday moments that resonate with pride and positivity. These pieces reflect the simple beauty of home and community life, while addressing deeper social issues facing Indigenous peoples. Her work offers a window into what it means to be bold, colourful and true to oneself in the face of society’s challenges.
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“In our space we get to fully show up as our natural selves,” Hobson says. “We get to fully embrace our uniqueness and celebrate our culture.”
Her works embody this spirit, creating immersive stories through powerful visual language. Hobson’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in her Indigenous identity and her home in Coen (population about 320).
Through her art, Hobson continues her family’s tradition of political and social activism, using her work as a platform for engagement and change. As well as exhibiting in Brisbane, Adolescent Wonderland is currently showing at the Horniman Museum and Gardens in London. Her recently released, limited edition photo book, Adolescent Wonderland, now features in a new, first-ever display of Australian photo books at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and is for sale at the Judith Wright Arts Centre.
Adolescent Wonderland solo exhibition by Naomi Hobson, presented by Flying Arts Alliance, continues at Judith Wright Arts Centre, Fortitude Valley, until November 18.
flyingarts.org.au