Forget hushed, white-walled reverence: Whiskey’s new exhibition at Canberra’s National Portrait Gallery erupts in celebration. Expect big colour, big mischief, big joy

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Kaylene Whiskey’s sneakers are so silver they’re making the light dance. She’s wearing one of her signature jumpers and sparkly Christmas earrings. The gleefully bold Yankunytjatjara artist is ready for a party, and she’s brought that mood to the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) for the launch of Super Kaylene Whiskey. Forget hushed, white-walled reverence: this showcase exhibition erupts in celebration. Big colour, big mischief, big joy.

It demands a soundtrack, and there is one: Cher, Abba, David Bowie, Boney M. And Dolly Parton, of course – always and forever Dolly. When she’s painting, Whiskey cranks up the music and works 9 to 5, Dolly-style.