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2023 artists and program of events will be announced here very soon!
In 2022, as part of DSAF's commitment to creating pathways for emerging artists we added a new program that creates temporary art in public spaces.
These artists took part in a project that saw a number of temporary wall structures set up around Darwin in public places that allowed the artists a free space to create, while also allowing the public to engage with the art and artists in real time.
This initiative is sponsored by Nightcliff Community Bank
DENIQUE STEWART
Born and raised in Darwin, Denique from Deniques_Designs is a creative who has worked with a variety of mediums, most recently they have created Murals, Skateboard designs, Canvas art, Custom painted shoes, Digital art and Wearable art along with many other projects.
They have a huge passion for all things creative, the local music scene and the wider community.
Currently they’re studying a Cert IV in Screen and Media, working full time as well as creating art where they can.
Their art style is in the midst of change as they try to find themselves as a person and their place in the world.
BRONWYN CLEARY
Bronwyn Cleary is an award-winning contemporary visual artist, working primarily with acrylic paints and polymer clay.
Bronwyn has been living in the NT for over a decade, recently moving up to Darwin with her family. Originally from South Australia, she began creating ‘art’ from an early age, with guidance from her mother, a celebrated Fibre Artist.
Although she is predominantly self-taught her Batchelor in Education (with a minor in The Arts) allowed her to continue her passion for the Visual Arts.
"For my art piece this year I have painted a Water Buffalo looking up from her abundant watery playground. As she lifts her head forward, up and out of the water, she brings with her a majestic halo of water plants. The iconic NT Buffalo can be
seen in the Top End wading through flood plains awash with life, surveying the breathtaking Territory landscape and casting a watchful eye on the horizon ahead. I wanted to paint an animal that reflects joy in the present moment and paint it in a bright expressionistic style to show that although we must be grateful for what we have, it’s important to dream. To imagine a bright and vibrant future."
KIEREN KARRITPUL
Kieren has worked in several mediums; painting, printmaking, fabric and ceramics. His work is in several major collections including the National Gallery of Australia, Myer Collection and Artbank.
Kieren won the inaugural Youth Award at the The Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards in 2014. His fabric work was presented as a gift to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge during his visit to Darwin.
Kieren is the youngest Director ever appointed to The Association of Northern, Kimberley and Arnhem Aboriginal Artists (ANKAAA).
His work was exhibited in a group exhibition The Fowler Museum at University of California, Los Angeles in 2020.
Kieren is a young leader in his community and, like many in his community, still goes hunting and fishing.
IZZY CRAVEN
Izzy an emerging local 18 year old artist working in the Northern Territory.
She currently works as a graphic designer/ ICT support in the Department of Education.
Her artwork is based around traditional painting graphics, publications, Illustrations, and animation.
Izzy has been practicing art from a young age and her inspirations circle around her culture and music.
In 2022 she was awarded the People’s Choice Award for the 2022 Exit Art MAGNT exhibition.
For her temp wall Izzy decided to look back on her past artwork and sketches throughout herlife that has gotten her here today, painting for the first time for the festival. Her piece symbolises the start of her career in street art and all future art projects she looks forward to creating
MERLIN MARTIN
Merlin has been a local of the Top End since birth. He takes inspiration from what he sees in the street and the people he meets; you may see materials like wire fencing and directional signage in his work and his style incorporates graffiti and grunge. He takes inspiration from a number of local artists such as David Collins, Yasmine Boehme, Jocelyn Tribe and I Made Liam Budalasia.
When people see his work he wants them to connect with the sentiment - maybe it will match what they feel… but he’s also happy if they show up and hate it.
TONY AMARAL
Tony Amaral (1984) is a visual artist from Timor Leste. Tony has a Bachelor of Fine Art from the National Art School in Sydney, Australia. He has exhibited in Australia, Macau, Switzerland, Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
Since 2016 his focus has been on street art where he enjoys working with communities to create colourful, bold murals to foster harmony in urban spaces.
SPACE CADET
Space Cadet Art, Darwin based, Indigenous artist.
Using many different mediums and breaking outside the box by introducing different types of Aboriginal art to the world. A blend of modern, graffiti art with a splash of tradition.
DOWATFEELSGOOD
Dowatfeelsgood aka Jack Hodges (1988) is an artist exploring a range of perspectives through painting, muralism, installations/activities and sculpture.
He is interested in reimagining public spaces and commentating on life manifesting in DIY publications, paintings and site-specific projects.
Coming from a street art background Jack’s art is aesthetic, loose and random, and at the same time precise and thoughtful.
Jack is a self-directed artist and undertook mentorships with Jesus Benitez and Bill Shannon.
He currently works on community arts projects with young people domestically and internationally.
LUKE PEARCE
Luke Pearce is a Melbourne-based artist living in the Northern Territory, travelling Australia, and painting anything he can get his hands on.
JORDAN CONRAD
Jordan ‘PABS’ Conrad is in love with paint. He is a mural artist and all round deadly bloke. He is known as being a gun for hire for large scale commercial mural projects, as well as a street artist creating solo and collaborative work for Darwin Street Arts Festival and City of Darwin’s Art to Street Project. He has worked in regional and remote NT alongside community groups and young people to create unique local pieces that hold pride of place in communities.
He is inspired by epic spaces and always looking to continue to develop his style and take on bold new challenges.
SAMMY PERRY
Sammy Perry is an internationally trained floral designer from Sydney.
Sammy has lived in Darwin for the past 8 years creating installations and artworks including Besser Cafe and Bella Pasta.
Heavily influenced by the use of colour and flora, her designs focus on reflecting her surrounds and the beauty of nature, especially in the tropics.
PARIS CHELO
Paris is a 23 year old local Darwin artist who has been drawing and creating since she was a kid.
She has always been inspired by the beautiful nature and wildlife of the Top End and is so grateful to call it home.
She is also in love with fairies, astrology and fantasy and loves looking into the magical, spiritual and odd sides of life.
