Yhonnie Scarce was born in Woomera, South Australia, and belongs to the Kokatha and Nukunu Peoples. A master contemporary glass blower, her practice explores the political nature and aesthetic qualities of glass. Scarce’s work often references the on-going effects of colonisation on Aboriginal people. Family history is central to Scarce’s work, drawing on the strength of her ancestors, she offers herself as a conduit, sharing their significant stories from the past. Scarce was the winner of the prestigious NGV Architecture Commission 2019. In 2018 Scarce was the recipient of the Kate Challis RAKA award, for her contribution to the visual arts in Australia, as well as the Indigenous Ceramic Award from the Shepparton Art Museum. Her involvement in international exhibitions includes the Pavilion of Contemporary Art, Milan; and the Museum of London, Ontario, Canada. Previous international shows include the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, India, 2018; 55th Venice Biennale collateral exhibition Personal Structures 2013, Venice; Harvard Art Museum, Massachusetts 2016; and Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum, Virginia, USA 2012.

Photograph (detail): Janelle Low