A. Awege is a Barkindji artist who has been a part of The Torch program since 2023. Her work is deeply grounded in culture, connection to Country, and the strength of community. Through powerful visual storytelling, Awege explores themes of family, protection, and resilience, often reflecting on the realities of incarceration and the ongoing impact of intergenerational trauma. Her paintings are rich with symbolism - footprints, birds, and ochre landscapes weave narratives of identity, healing, and hope. She speaks through her art of a desire for freedom, freedom for her people to celebrate culture without constraint. Awege’s use of vibrant colours, traditional dotwork, and layered meaning expresses both personal memory and collective strength, calling for unity, cultural celebration, and the protection of Country and kin.