MANISHA MALCOLM acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land. From Wayalup the town of Fremantle, in the Whadjuk Region cared for by the Noongar people, to Naarm the city of Melbourne, in the Kulin Nation looked after by the Wurundjeri people. And to all the people, earth and sun in between. I pay my respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to the elders past, present and emerging. Always was. Always will be. Aboriginal land.

We’re drinking chilled Prosecco at knock offs on a sizzling summer’s afternoon in January, 2022. Getting to know each other, I pull up my notes app to show a poem I wrote over a decade ago. They scroll through more and with praise say “Put these somewhere!”… For the last four years I have been exhibiting my work using mixed media and poetry. Where, I lean into my lived experiences, introspections and intricate intimacies. I make art to slow things down, connect with myself, and relate to others. I have performed poetry live, featured in group displays, collaborations, a mother-daughter exhibition, and curated solo shows. In 2023, I received international appreciation and publication in multiple anthologies by Poets Choice. A year later I published my debut anthology “Lengthy Stints of Admirable Blue” which was released on my father’s birthday, who is forever missed and deeply loved. You can connect with me and find more of my words and creative progress on Instagram @mku_m, based in Naarm/ Melbourne.