Karla Dickens : Locked On

An urgent exhibition by Karla Dickens addresses climate crises linking Indigenous histories of dispossession and invasion through her personal experience, ecofeminism, and provocative visual language.  

A 'lock-on' is a powerful, non-violent tactic used by protesters – using bicycle locks, handcuffs, and other DIY materials – to secure themselves in their place of protest.  Honouring the legacy of non-violent protest, Wiradjuri, Irish and German artist Karla Dickens presents her first solo exhibition in Muloobinba/Newcastle for New Annual, a “lock-on at The Lock-Up”.  

Addressing themes of climate crises and ecofeminism, Locked On interrogates the legacies of colonialism, capitalism and patriarchy, and their effects on post-contact Aboriginal experiences and the natural world. Part homage, part rallying cry, Locked On merges works from Dickens’ extensive repertoire and embodies both a statement on our volatile climate situation and an urgent call to action.

Locked On presents a collection of the artist’s politically charged and deeply personal assemblages, highlighting recent presentations such as Rise and Fall, the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial and Embracing Shadows, alongside new commissions for The Lock-Up.

Seeking to revive and awaken a new generation of environmental warriors, Locked On will be activated over the 10 days of New Annual through climate conversations, art-making workshops and a celebration of the divine feminine.

PROGRAM DETAILS
Arts in the Yard with Karla Dickens
Sat 27 Sep, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Free, registration required.
Join us for a very special artist-led Arts in the Yard, The Lock-Up’s celebrated arts making workshop for kids of all ages, led by acclaimed Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens. Known for her powerful assemblage works and her use of reclaimed materials to tell stories of resistance, resilience, and environmental care, Karla brings her distinct voice and practice to this free, family-friendly art-making workshop. This session offers a gentle introduction to the art of protest—inviting participants to explore their creativity while thinking about the world around them. It’s a safe, open space for young people to express their passions, share their concerns, and celebrate the power of making as a way to care, connect, and be heard. Participants will create their own take-home artworks while gaining insight into Karla’s creative process and the deeper social and environmental concerns that inform her work. Set in the open-air yard of The Lock-Up, this is a rare opportunity to connect with one of Australia’s most compelling artists and experience the joy of making in community. For more information and to register click here.

In Conversation with Karla Dickens
Sat 27 Sep, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Free, registration required. 
HOT CHIPS & HOT TOPICS
Join renowned Wiradjuri contemporary artist Karla Dickens in conversation with Bundjalung and Worimi, SBS and NiTV journalist Phoebe McIlwraith, for the opening weekend of New Annual! Over hot chips and even hotter topics, Karla and Phoebe reflect on the shifting role of artists in the face of the climate crisis – from creative resistance to acts of care, and the urgent need for truth-telling in turbulent times. This conversation invites audiences into Karla’s world: a place of humour, grit, and fierce critique, where art becomes a tool for survival, protest, and deep listening. For more information and to register click here.

Book Launch / 'Fierceland' by Omar Musa
Tue 30 Sep, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Free, registration required. 
Join us for the launch of Omar Musa’s Fierceland, a globe panning epic of power and family secrets. Featuring Bidayǔh artist Tiyan Baker, Omar Musa in conversation with Katherine McLean and Karla Dickens' exhibition, Locked On at The Lock-Up. This event is presented in partnership with Hunter Writers’ Centre and The Lock-Up and is supported by The Lock-Up through its Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program. Hunter Writers’ Centre and The Lock-Up acknowledge the collaborative effort in delivering this program and extend gratitude to all artists, speakers, and community members involved. For more information and to register click here. 

For more exciting programs during the full exhibition run, head to https://thelockup.org.au/whats-on/ for more details.

EXHIBITION SENSORY & CONTENT WARNING
The exhibition features dark spaces and steps.

ACCESSIBILITY
The heritage building has a ramped entrance, accessible unisex toilets and accessible parking at the front. The majority of The Lock-Up is accessible to people with mobility issues.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Lock-Up is proudly supported by