Artist Karla Dickens turned her life around in Australia’s ‘best jail’

Artist Karla Dickens turned her life around in Australia’s ‘best jail’

Article: Linda Morris
Image: James Alcock

Financial necessity first drove artist Karla Dickens to take up collage and sculpture for which she is now best known.

A trained painter from the National Art School, Dickens could not afford the oils and canvases to keep painting so began using found and recycled items to give vent to her frustrations around gender politics and racial injustice.

#Follow us on Instagram
Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate our 2025 cohort at last night's opening of The Postgrad Show.
 
The Postgrad Show is now on view across the NAS campus until 16 November.
 
Learn more and visit the online exhibition at the link in bio.
Opening tonight, The Postgrad Show.
 
Join us from 6–10pm to celebrate the work of our graduating Master of Fine Art (MFA) and Doctor of Fine Art (DFA) students, exhibited throughout the NAS campus.
 
RSVP link in bio.
Thinking about studying at the National Art School? Apply now and join us in 2026. Find out more at nas.edu.au
Loading...