Whether you're a strictly scheduled twenty-minutes-a-day kind of person or let it rip and scroll into the early AM, it's clear that Instagram has a hold on us. When used to its full potential, Instagram can be a powerful tool for finding people and communities outside our orbit. The platform grants us an exclusive look into the world of others, from their creative process, outfit choices, what's on their mind to their politics. It's a potent resource and space for learning, and for those of us who harbour a fondness for art and culture, it's a great way to tap into local talent and creative visionaries.
Emphasis on the local. Too often we overlook the creators here in so-called Australia, that's why at RUSSH we're bringing you 14 of our favourite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and creatives to follow on Instagram. Be it through music, painting, storytelling, writing, or a mix of mediums, these are the Indigenous artists we go to for inspiration, learning and overall joy.
Soju Gang
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Sky Thomas aka Soju Gang is a DJ based in Naarm and an active member of the Indigenous community in Dandenong. Flock to her Instagram page for a healthy dose of shareable content. From memes, infographics, swanky outfits and a personal favourite, 'Lazy Kitchen', where she makes the chore of cooking and eating on a budget more endurable and supremely funny.
Otis Hope Carey
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Otis only really began painting seven or eight years ago, and yet in this period the Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung artist has managed to be nominated for the Wynne Prize and establish himself as a near-household name. All of that on top of being a father and pro surfer. What a man!
Mo'Ju
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Mojo Ruiz de Luzuriaga first drifted into our vision with their powerful album Native Tongue, that spoke to their hybrid experience as a queer, Wiradjuri and Filipino person. Through social media and their music, Mo'Ju is inviting and warm, yet unflinching in their effort to take up space and be heard.
Aretha Brown
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Let Aretha in. Just as the personal is political, Aretha Brown's art is inextricably linked to her activism. Working across multiple disciplines like film, painting and sculpture, she calls attention to the colonising force of our current systems, and practical ways to dismantle them in our everyday lives. A large focus being on the complete absence of Aboriginal history in the Australian school curriculum and decolonising art spaces in this country.
Shaun Daniel Allen
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Drawing on his ties to country, tattoo artist and painter Shaun Daniel Allen or Shal creates a new visual language for First Nations art. It's an act of survival and resilience against dispossession and the deliberate destruction of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems. Head over to Shal's Instagram page to see his latest exploration with natural pigments like ochre.
Nina Fitzgerald
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Nina wears many hats. From photographer, creative director, writer, and with a resume that lists the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, she's no stranger to the creative industries. Currently living and working in Darwin after graduating from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Science in 2017, she's an enigmatic figure, one that we're gratefully afforded a glimpse of over social media.
Nakkiah Lui
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An Australian icon. Hailing from Mount Druitt on Dharug country, she's established herself as a formidable writer, comedian and actor on TV shows like Black Comedy and Preppers. Her voice is one that sings with authenticity and humour, and she's never afraid to call a spade a spade.
Dameeeela
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We love Dameeeela. The Yuggera woman has DJ'ed her way into our hearts through multiple festival appearances and radio segments. Prepare for an education with her 'Techno is Black' mix.
Barkaa
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A mother first and foremost, a tireless community leader and a searing voice in Australian rap. Candid, irreverent and unwavering in her commitment to create space for First Nations women and their experiences. If you're yet to listen to her music, we suggest starting with For My Tittas and King Brown.
Thelma Plum
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Thelma Plum is a national treasure. She has the voice of an angel and the essence of an artist who is comfortable in their own skin. Her album Better in Blak should be considered essential listening, with Homecoming Queen on repeat. Keep in touch with her tours and gigs through Instagram.
Luke Currie-Richardson
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A Bangarra dance artist alumni, model, photographer and storyteller, Luke has performed at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week and continues to be a stalwart in Australia's creative scenes. His Instagram is both a loving tribute to culture and a fierce clarion call to decolonise.
Becca Hatch
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A rising star. Samoan and Kamilaroi musician Becca Hatch is making waves as another majorly talented artist to come out of Western Sydney. Her honeyed vocals are heavenly with an Instagram presence to match. Her cover of Burn for You and original song 2560 were some of my top listens last year.
Meissa Mason
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Meissa is the blueprint for gen-z creatives. Incredible makeup? Tick. Bold style? Naturally. Socially and politically engaged? You bet. Her content deals in unpacking stereotypes, platforming other First Nation's creatives and Black excellence more broadly, as well as raising awareness for current issues facing First Nations communities across the country.
Tallulah
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All followers of Gomeroi and Lebanese creative Tallulah can expect community updates interspersed with informative statistics and commentary on the mainstream reporting of humanitarian issues, as well as sex positive content. As an artist, they approaches these issues with grit and determination, and loves a moody collage.
Explore fashion from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective with our favourite First Nation's designers. Seeking out more First Nation's voices on TikTok? Follow these accounts.
