Katherine Gailer (aka Katira) is a Colombian artist currently based in Melbourne, exploring cultural identity, the natural environment, women’s empowerment, and contemporary design through public murals, installation works, painting, design and music. Her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts Management degrees from RMIT University were both awarded with honours.

Katherine’s creative expression explores the mutual flourishing between worlds: diverse cultural perspectives, past and present, and the inner and outer spiritual realms. Her dream-like compositions celebrate resilience and liberation, echoing the urgent need to restore the fabric that weaves together humans and nature. Her work challenges social structures and reclaims public space for diverse cultural expression and women at the forefront of social change. Through art, she creates places of reconciliation, fostering a culture of reciprocity and the resilience of the feminine spirit.

Deeply rooted in her cultural heritage and the magical realism movement, Katherine’s creative practice is shaped by Latin America’s rich iconography, symbols, and aesthetics. Her artistic journey is further enriched by her experience as a migrant, which has cultivated a versatile artistic approach. This unique combination allows her style to seamlessly interact with a wide range of contexts while preserving an authentic creative expression. Rediscovering a sense of the sacred and revisiting our ancient past embody the driving force for the development of her artworks.

Awards and Recognitions include:

Finalist • Wyndham Art Prize, Wyndham Art Gallery / Finalist • 2020 The Global Art Awards, Shanghai Edition / Winner • 2018 People’s Choice Award at Corangamarah Art Prize (Australia) / Winner • 2018 Packer’s Art Prize (Red Rock Regional Gallery) / Winner • 2017 ROI Art Prize (Australia) / Finalist • 2017, Emerging Art Awards (Fortyfivedownstairs Gallery, Australia) / Finalist • 2017, Contemporary Art Awards (Australia)  / Featured • 2017, Melbourne Fringe Festival Award Winning Exhibition: Fifty Shades Of Blak / Featured • 2016, Malaysia Art Expo Plus (KL, Malaysia) / Finalist • 2015, Brisbane Art Prize (Australia) / Finalist • 2014, Glencore Percival Portrait Painting Prize / Awarded • 2014, 29th Chelsea International Art Competition (USA) / Winner • 2011, Tolarno Hotel Annual Award (Australia)