Baylis, of Irish and Aboriginal heritage, a descendant of the Jawoyn people from the Northern Territory, is showcasing his latest body of work, including some ‘drag/terrorist’ assemblages executed in ink on paper.

His knitted Poles resemble aboriginal burial-poles, allowing Baylis to insert both his gay identity and his Aboriginality into contemporary art with a sharp wit. Likewise, through his series of knitted dillybag-like forms inscribed with embroidered texts, he engages satirically with the current debates around aboriginality.

A highlight of the exhibition is his re-working of HJ Johnstone’s Evening shadows, backwater of the Murray, South Australia (pictured) where Baylis’ drag identity Kaboobie replaces Johnstone’s central aboriginal figure. Just like Johnstone’s painting, Baylis’ reworking was also created in London.

artroom5, 5 Kent St, Henley Beach, Wed July 1 to Sat July 18, Open Wed-Sat 1-5pm

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