Konstantina is a contemporary Aboriginal artist descended from the Gadigal people. Her works tell the true story of her people.
The “Negative Space” series is an in-depth exploration of Konstantina’s Aboriginal identity, constituted and characterized by absence rather than presence.
The paintings in this series are composed of diptychs. Like a shadow puppet, the plant silhouette of the species depicted is embodied by an assemblage of finely applied dotted lines or withdraws from its environment, leaving behind the imprint of its absence revealed by its dotted outlines.
The work Negative Space: Barraba takes its name from a species of reed. Barraba had many uses in the Gadigal culture, including braiding reeds, making ropes for fishing nets, and creating jewelry.
It is also a natural habitat for many sacred animals among the Gadigal, such as Garanga (the Gadigal word for pelican).
