Yáadiláh, Nizéé’ “Good Grief, Hush Your Mouth!”

Tahnee is an artist and designer based in Meanjin/Brisbane. Her works use sustainably sourced organic and reused local materials, and are deeply grounded in storytelling, identity, and decolonising practice. With a background in design, Tahnee creates visually profound pieces that blend contemporary aesthetics and experiences with meaningful cultural influence. Her work reflects a strong connection to narrative, using design as a way to honour heritage, creativity, and personal truth. Tahnee aims to use her work as a means of subverting anxiety and C-PTSD which heavily impacts upon her life, function, and purpose. She hopes her creations bring a similar feeling of connection and hózhó to the viewer.

This spirit doll is made in the southwest tradition stemming from Kachina and Yei figures. She was created in response to comments from JD Vance that weaponised the existence of older child-free women, devaluing their contribution to society outside of a biological imperative. The doll represents the inherent knowledges, instinct, and strengths that older women bring to the table; often in the face of great adversities and diminishment from the ignorance of western patriarchy.