It's not only me (6), from the series It's not only me

Kim Ah Sam is a Kuku Yalanji and Kalkadoon artist based in Brisbane. Her recent series of woven sculptures reference her connection to Kalkadoon Country, near Cloncurry, QLD. These works were displayed in her 2023 solo exhibition ‘Woven Identity ‘it’s not only me’ and showcase an innovative use of materials and textures to depict topographical aspects of her country such as termite mounds and mountain sites. Ah Sam incorporates emu body and tail feathers to add variations of texture and dimension, while also referencing the importance of the emu in Kalkadoon culture. Sustainability is important within Ah Sam’s practice, with many of her materials sourced from second hand stores and council pick-up days. The mindfulness and physicality of weaving is also important to Ah Sam, and is an extension of her healing journey. Ah Sam grew up disconnected from her Country but has been empowered by utilising her creativity as a means of strengthening connections to her grandmother’s Kuku Yalanji Country, and her father’s Kalkadoon Country.