Artist’s bold new show lands at Donkey Wheel House

A new exhibition by local artist Maya Tamang has opened at Jump Left at Donkey Wheel House, bringing together a flamboyant and deeply personal series of portraits inspired by classic Hollywood, personal identity and cultural icons.

I Ain’t No Fancy Bird is a solo exhibition of new work by Tamang, an early-career and primarily self-taught artist whose practice draws on lived experience, camp humour, theatrical aesthetics and a desire to connect with audiences through honesty and vulnerability.

Presented by Jump Left, the exhibition is now open until August 29 at its ground-floor space at 673 Bourke St, Melbourne, within Donkey Wheel House. The launch weekend also coincided with Open House Melbourne.

The exhibition focuses on portraits of people who are inspirational and important to Tamang, with works that channel the playfulness, exuberance and glamour of old Hollywood.

Jump Left director and exhibition curator Sim Luttin described the show as an “exceptional solo exhibition of deeply personal yet larger than life paintings” by a local artist and “fashionista icon”.

“I Ain’t No Fancy Bird exemplifies Maya’s devotion to personal expression and a commitment to the celebration of cultural icons and uninhibited individual identity,” Ms Luttin said.

“This series of portraits captures her admiration for personal flair and flamboyance while also revealing a surprising sensitivity in her subjects, qualities also reflected in the artist’s expressive painting style.”

Tamang said the exhibition was both emotional and bold, reflecting the role art played in helping her express herself.

“This is a deeply emotional and personal show for me,” she said. “My art is a way to express myself and escape from a harsh world.”

“My work is a mix of fun, flamboyance, camp and emotional pieces, and I Ain’t No Fancy Bird is a fun, fashionable and bold exhibition with references to old Hollywood.”

Tamang said she hoped audiences would feel inspired and connected to her work, adding that it was important for her to create inclusive artistic spaces, build a professional career and be visible.

“I want to empower and inspire younger female artists,” she said.

Jump Left is a niche arts organisation based at Donkey Wheel House, creating opportunities for artists with disabilities and the studios that support them. It works with neurodivergent, intellectually disabled and self-taught Australian artists through inclusive arts projects, partnerships and accessible public programs.

The exhibition is supported by Jump Left, Donkey Wheel House and Impact Neighbourhoods.

I Ain’t No Fancy Bird is open Tuesday to Friday from 11am to 4pm and Saturday from 11am to 3pm, or by appointment. Admission is free, with wheelchair access, assistance animals welcome, Easy Read materials and a quiet space available. •