Tahlia Undarlegt: Sacred Ground Exhibition

Outsider Gallery is thrilled to present Sacred Ground, a solo exhibition of striking ceramic sculptures by emerging artist Tahlia Undarlegt. Rooted deeply in the narratives of her mixed European and Wongatha heritage and formative experiences in Western Australia, Undarlegt’s works evoke powerful, spiritual connections between identity, memory, and place.

Raised in Mandurah, WA, Undarlegt’s personal journey from disadvantaged beginnings and life-changing injuries sustained as a motocross rider to her current role as a dynamic visual artist lends her practice a uniquely compelling authenticity. Undarlegt’s grandmother, a member of the Stolen Generation, instilled early connections to country and culture, quietly shaping the artist’s understanding of identity and resilience—themes vibrantly embodied in this exhibition.

In Sacred Ground, Undarlegt presents a new body of ceramic sculptures, unglazed to emphasise the inherent beauty of natural clay. Employing traditional coiling techniques, her earthy, tactile forms manifest in distinctively banded patterns and colours achieved purely by combining different types of clay. Undarlegt’s rigorous commitment to non-toxic materials and sustainable practices – such as mid-fire ceramics requiring significantly less energy – reflects her holistic approach to art-making. This mindful methodology moves beyond aesthetics alone, resonating strongly with contemplative traditions that prioritise process, intentionality, and awareness.

Central to this exhibition is Undarlegt’s evocative use of sculptural chains. Far from symbols of restraint, these chains adorn rather than shackle, referencing ancestral ties, collective memory, and cultural identity. By fashioning both figures and chains from identical materials, Undarlegt speaks to the inseparable relationship between individuals and their histories. Her sculptures, at once stoic and quietly defiant, encourage reflection on how personal and collective pasts shape present realities.

Sacred Ground positions Undarlegt as an important new voice in contemporary Australian ceramics, creating works that are visually compelling, emotionally resonant, and urgently relevant. This exhibition is an unmissable exploration of art's power to bridge personal narrative, ancestral memory, and environmental consciousness.

About Outsider Gallery:

Located in the creative heart of Surry Hills, Outsider Gallery champions innovative contemporary practices by emerging and mid-career artists. With a boutique approach and unpretentious sensibility, Outsider Gallery has quickly garnered a reputation as an exciting platform that fosters creative dialogue and discovery.

Exhibition details:

• Exhibition dates: 17 April to 17 May 2025

• Opening reception: Thursday 17 April, 6 to 8pm

• Address: Outsider Gallery, 144 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills