Monograph: Rakhi James
Emerging artist Rakhi James has been painting since the age of 8. Her intricate works explore mythology, architecture and the female form.
In 2016 she joined Arts Project Australia (APA), an internationally leading visual arts organisation based in Collingwood and Northcote, Melbourne that champions neurodivergent artists and artists with intellectual disability to develop and sustain careers.
'It makes me do something, that's what I like. Learning more, relaxes me.’
Her finely detailed works on paper, notable for their intricate, coloured grids and unique compositions double as ways to remember loved ones, friends, pets and special moments. Others are inspired by pop culture, including vibrant paintings of Dame Edna Everage, Home Alone, Destiny's Child and the Spice Girls.
In 2025 State Library Victoria acquired James's 2021 acrylic on paper works Untitled (H2026.28/6), featuring 4 Essendon football players with guernsey numbers 43, 7, 9 and 35, and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (H2026.28/5), depicting the titular former Essendon player.
Her works join a growing collection of Arts Project Australia artworks acquired by State Library Victoria since 2019. Together, these acquisitions help build a richer picture of contemporary Victorian art and the many voices contributing to Australia's cultural landscape.
About the series
Monograph is a series of short films that bring to light the humanity, passion, and beauty of the Library, and what it means to the people it’s touched. Monograph refers to the singular focus of each film – a brief but deep dive into a person’s life, work, and connection to the Library.
Credit
A film by Creative Studio, State Library Victoria
Featuring: Rakhi James
Director of Photography: Christopher Miles
Digital Content Lead: Yeoseop Yoon
Senior Collection Curator: Bridie Flynn, Paul Dee