Diya Rao
‘Open Wounds’ 2026. Oil on industrial steel and steel screws; 5 panels: 61cm x 60cm and 31cm x 30cm.
Artist statement
My painting practice involves working with intersections of image, trace and memories, as well as experimenting with unconventional processes.
My recent affinities have been exploring the materiality of steel and its reaction to oil paints, as well as the process of erosion through steel wool, in relation to the concepts of erasure and the complexities of existing as a woman of colour in contemporary society.
Queer women and gender non-conforming people of colour are often overlooked, but there are advantages to this invisibility as it allows navigation of the world beyond the gaze.
Photographs: Anna Kucera
Acknowledgement of Country
91É«ÇéƬ School of Art & Design stands on an important place of learning and exchange first occupied by the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples.
We acknowledge the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land that our students and staff share, create and operate on. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples across Australia. Sovereignty has never been ceded.
