Sanaa Fest 2021 Mural by KATIRA in Melbourne

Katherine is a Colombian artist currently based in Melbourne, exploring cultural identity, the natural environment, and women's empowerment. Her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts Management degrees from RMIT University were both awarded with honours. Her practice includes public art (murals and Installation), painting, design, and music. Katherine's creative expression reveals the mutual flourishing between worlds: diverse cultural perspectives, past and present, and the inner and outer spiritual realms. Her dream-like compositions celebrate resilience and liberation, echoing the urgent need to restore the invisible fabric that weaves together humans and nature. Her work challenges social structures and reclaims the space for diverse cultural expression and women at the forefront of social change. Deeply rooted in her cultural heritage and the magical realism movement she was immersed in during her upbringing, her work is also shaped by Latin America’s rich iconography, symbols, and textile aesthetics. Rediscovering a sense of the sacred and revisiting our ancient past embody the driving force for the development of her artworks. Gailer is a multi-award-winning artist. Awards include the 2018 People’s Choice Award at Corangamarah Art Prize, the 2018 Packer’s Art Prize at Red Rock Regional Gallery in Victoria, and the 2017 ROI Art Prize in Melbourne.