Online Gallery | Into the Top End

Into the Top End | Ifa Shiddiq

Into the Top End

Ifa Shiddiq

6 - 20 August 2022

Into the Top End is the first solo exhibition of young emerging Indonesian-Australian artist Ifa Shiddiq, who is known as “esse” or “eskrimko” online. Specialising in character-based illustration and design, her passion is to create Australian media.

The exhibition will feature a series of digital art introducing the Top End duo, Darwin and Palmerston. Through these characters, Ifa will explore their own personalities and wholesome dynamic.

Taking influence from anime, manga, cartoons, Australiana, and her own experiences, Ifa creates memorable characters with distinct designs and personalities. She appreciates how anime and manga captures the fantasy of mundane experiences which she wishes to replicate through Australia’s unique lifestyle and culture.

This exhibition has now closed.

If you would like to check the availability of a piece from this exhibition, please contact DVA for the artist's contact information:

info@dvaa.net.au

1 Darwin & Palmerston

2021
Digital illustration printed on vinyl banner
130 x 184.5 cm
Original work NFS

My artwork featured in City of Darwin's CITYLIFE Platform Lightboxes Exhibition, "Home Turf: Adventures in Art", for Youth Week 2021. My work depicts the city personifications of Darwin and Palmerston eating iconic Top End market foods, laksa and satay.
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2 Darwin

2022
Digital art printed on corflute
59 x 141 cm
NFS

The tropical capital of the Top End! Despite being the smallest out of the capitals, he has a huge heart!
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3 Palmerston

2022
Digital art printed on corflute
48 x 162 cm
NFS

A planned satellite city south of Darwin. He’s a responsible young boy who strives to be the best city he can be. Unlike his peers, he doesn’t handle heat very well.
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4 Sunset

2022
Digital illustration printed on canvas
40.5 x 51 x 3.5 cm
Original Artwork - $180 SOLD
8" x 10" Prints - $20
Sunset & Night set - $35
Set of all prints - $80

The warm, comforting colours of the sunset perfectly portrays the youthful character of Darwin. Situated far North of Australia, the tropical capital has a much more laid-back lifestyle than the other capital cities. A hub for Australia’s most multiculturally diverse citizens, Darwin represents the hope of a new life; a home away from home. From his smile to his sunsets, Darwin welcomes visitors passing through as well as those setting their roots. Despite the hardships of his past, Darwin remains a kid at heart. His resilience is captured through his bright and optimistic personality, and it’s what makes him admirable to all, especially Palmerston. Darwin’s childlike appearance helps emphasise the city as the young, modern capital.
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5 Night

2022
Digital illustration printed on canvas
40.5 x 51 x 3.5 cm
Original Artwork - $180
8" x 10" Prints - $20
Sunset & Night set - $35
Set of all prints - $80

To contrast with Darwin’s bright personality, the dark colours of the night reflect Palmerston’s quiet and mature character. The emphasis on the darkness alludes to the city’s tumultuous internal struggles. Overshadowed by Darwin, Palmerston is not always recognised as a city and he is often plagued by the high expectations he sets for himself. However, Darwin’s heart of gold inspires Palmerston to work towards finding his true identity. Palmerston’s character has been written as the younger but responsible friend to Darwin. He represents the younger generation of Territorians as a young but rapidly growing city with more potential than he sees in himself.
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6 Territory Day #1

2022
Digital illustration printed on canvas
61 x 30.5 x 3.5 cm
12" x 6" Prints - $20
Territory Day set - $35
Set of all prints - $80

"This set captures the Territory Day scene with Darwin and Palmerston. In particular, this fireworks scene symbolises the dynamic between the two characters.

Set at night, the darkness in the first shot represents Palmerston's state of mind; his worries and struggles weighing over him. Keeping the darkness at bay is a glimmer of light that can be seen illuminating their faces. In the next shot we see the source of this light - a spectacular fireworks display in celebration of Territory Day. These fireworks that light up the night sky represent Palmerston's perception of Darwin.

The second shot showcases Darwin's silhouette running towards the fireworks while Palmerston is seen hanging back to admire them where he stands. Here we see him admiring the illuminated sky and Darwin's joyous jumps. To Palmerston, Darwin is the firework that casts light upon his nights. The admiration Palmerston holds for the little ball of sunshine is what calms him in his dark moments."
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7 Territory Day #2

2022
Digital illustration printed on canvas
61 x 30.5 x 3.5 cm
12" x 6" Prints - $20
Territory Day set - $35
Set of all prints - $80

"This set captures the Territory Day scene with Darwin and Palmerston. In particular, this fireworks scene symbolises the dynamic between the two characters.

Set at night, the darkness in the first shot represents Palmerston's state of mind; his worries and struggles weighing over him. Keeping the darkness at bay is a glimmer of light that can be seen illuminating their faces. In the next shot we see the source of this light - a spectacular fireworks display in celebration of Territory Day. These fireworks that light up the night sky represent Palmerston's perception of Darwin.

The second shot showcases Darwin's silhouette running towards the fireworks while Palmerston is seen hanging back to admire them where he stands. Here we see him admiring the illuminated sky and Darwin's joyous jumps. To Palmerston, Darwin is the firework that casts light upon his nights. The admiration Palmerston holds for the little ball of sunshine is what calms him in his dark moments."

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8 d-town

2022
Digital illustration printed on canvas 40.5 x 51 x 3.5 cm
Original Artwork - $180 SOLD
8" x 10" Prints - $20
Sunset & Night set - $35
Set of all prints - $80
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