Local Artist Series // Katina Olsen
Who are you and what do you create?
My name is Katina Olsen, I’m a Wakka Wakka Kombumerri choreographer. I make contemporary dance that speaks to our relationship with land and sky whilst intertwining it with the research of my Wakka Wakka and Kombumerri cultural knowledges and dreaming stories.
What materials and techniques do you use?
I have a lot of conversations with my Wakka Wakka and Kombumerri Elders and family. With permission I also record our conversations which are sometimes used in the making of sound for the work. The rest of the materials and techniques I use is my body as I’m working with dance; and meditation and improvisation usually kick starts the choreographic process for me.
What kind of inspirations go into your work?
My main motivation is being able to share the stories, language and culture from my people that my own ancestors were forbidden to due to the racist policies in this country at the time.
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In what space do you like to create most?
Sometimes outside and barefoot, but I also love a quiet dance studio to play with movement ideas and to stay focused. If I’m on my own ancestral land that’s a massive plus for myself and the work too!
What has been your favourite or most important work to date?
My work Mother’s Cry for Sydney Dance Company’s New Breed 2018 and also my solo Namu Nunar which was presented at last year’s Horizon Festival.
To see more of Katina's work, head to her Instagram or website.
