“Unconstitutional Love”
Kyra Mancktelow
13 Jan → 24 Feb 2024
Gallery

A waist-height cabinet with glass, showcasing a chunky word beneath. On the wall behind is is a large printed dress impression, and on the other wall a shell-covered woven bag and necklace.
Kyra Mancktelow, ‘Unconstitutional Love’, 2024, installation view, West Space, Collingwood Yards. Photography by Janelle Low.

West Space is proud to premiere Unconstitutional Love by Quandamooka artist Kyra Mancktelow.

Unconstitutional Love centres around a wedding dress that honours the artist’s Ancestors. With this work, Kyra continues to explore the history of garments in Australia as a means by which to address the ongoing impact of colonisation.

“Until the 1960s, Indigenous Australians could only marry with government permission. This work investigates long-lasting legacies of colonialism, asking questions such as how we remember and acknowledge these histories. My hope is to draw upon the strength of resistance by adapting, retaining cultural ways and identity.” — Kyra Mancktelow

Unconstitutional Love is presented in partnership with Agency Projects, with Closing Night Drinks presented at part of the Melbourne Art Fair x Collingwood Yards program.

Program

IF THE OLIVE TREES KNEW, Sat 3 Feb, 3 → 6pm

In response to the undercurrent of activism with Kyra Mancktelow's work and the genocide taking place in Palestine, West Space and Made in Palestine invite you to an advocacy and solidarity event in the gallery.

The afternoon aims to generate meaningful discussion around alternative forms of protest and resistance, allyship and community organising. IF THE OLIVE TREES KNEW is a space to hear from long-time advocates for Palestine, and to meet fellow allies.

Guest speakers include: Uncle Ihab Alazhari (Sit Intifada), Dew & Izzy (Stitch Intifada), and Dana Alshaer (University of Melbourne for Palestine).

In Conversation, Fri 24 Feb, 6 → 7pm

Kyra Mancktelow and Coby Edgar, Curator, Agency Projects, discuss the stories and histories that inform Unconstitutional Love.

A waist-height cabinet with glass, showcasing a chunky word beneath. On the wall behind is is a large printed dress impression, and on the other wall a shell-covered woven bag and necklace.
a print of a dress impression, life size on a large sheet of paper installed on a wall. The image comprises of a shirt, long skirt and bag, each a different print density.
An install shot of Kyra Mancktelow's solo show at West Space. From left to right we see a large black display case, a large paper print of a dress and 2 objects installed on the wall. All the artworks are spot lit in a dark space.
The word UNJUST in three-dimensional, thick forms in a glass cabinet suspended above the ground. The case is black.
an array of flower forms used to form a large, thick letter - segment of the letter U.
a close up detail shot of some sculptural letters covered in white flowers with bead centers. The letter that is visible is J
An artwork in a display case is shown in front of another artwork on the wall.
Some shiny shells sewn into a woven, neutral-toned, light-weight bag. The shells coat the front of the square bag. Beside the bag is a long, layered necklace. Both are installed on a wall.
A detail shot of a handmade Dilly Bag adorned with dozens on shellfish shells that have iridescent colours
A printed, wavy impression of a bag, with a layer of golden cursive swirls horizontal across the impression.
Details of a black and white print of a transparent bag with golden lines on it.
A black and white print of a transparent bag with golden lines on it.
Some golden, cursive swirls overlapping a textural weave print impression.
2 people stand in front of a large format print of a dress, they are in conversation about the work
Artist Kyra Mancktelow stands in front of her artwork presented for her solo show at West Space gallery
A group of people sit on chairs in the gallery listening to a talk. They are all sitting in front of a printed dress made by Kyra Mancktelow
artist Kyra Mancktelow sits in front of a seated audience. She is giving an artist talk
The back of people looking at an art piece hanging on the wall.
A figure wearing a green jumper and beige cargo pants stands infront of a white wall with an exhibition text displayed on it.
A figure is standing in front of 2 works installed on the walls of West Space. She is wearing a cream coloured jacket and a long navy skirt.
Three figures sitting side by side smile, two with microphones and one in a mask. The image is black and white.
Picture of a seated crowd in black and white. You can identify their backs, all anonymous.
A black-and-white image of three people, the person in the middle is speaking with a microphone.
A black-and-white image of four panellists, the person at the right is speaking with a microphone.
A black-and-white image of two presenters sat in front of the audience.
Black and white image - a man sits in contemplation at the back of a room in front of a crowd.
A black and white image of the 'On Palestine' Book on top of a second book on a square angular side table. The background displays a patterned rug and a stack of three patterned pillows.

Kyra Mancktelow’s multidisciplinary practice investigates legacies of colonialism, posing important questions such as how we remember and acknowledge Indigenous histories. A Quandamooka artist with links to the Mardigan people of Cunnamulla, Kyra’s practice includes printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture – each applying a unique and distinct aesthetic. Kyra works with various materials to share her rich heritage, stories, and traditions to educate audiences and strengthen her connection to Country.

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A close up detail of a relief print of a dress made of muslin fabric. There are loose threads that are visible.

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A printed dress impression, light and silky. Image of the waist up.

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