Lisa Khan: A Story of Belonging

For artist Lisa Khan, every painting begins with a story – and many of those stories are shaped by the landscapes, communities and cultures of South Australia.

Whether she’s drawing inspiration from the red earth of Coober Pedy, the coastline or everyday moments of connection, Khan’s work explores themes of belonging, identity and community. Through colour, texture and traditional Aboriginal dot painting, she captures the diversity, resilience and warmth that define both her own journey and the state she calls home.

Those themes are at the heart of her collaboration with Brand SA and The Mill – where Khan keeps a studio – which will launch during NAIDOC Week with a limited-edition tote bag featuring Khan’s artwork. Created to celebrate South Australia’s unique identity, the partnership reflects the same values that run through her broader artistic practice – connection to Country, community, diversity and opportunity.

For Khan, whose heritage is both Aboriginal and Pakistani, every artwork is an opportunity to share stories, honour culture and create meaningful connections.

It’s a journey that began around a kitchen table.

“I always painted at home with family from a young age,” she says. “My mother painted at home on the kitchen table, and so did some of my aunties and grandmothers. I would join in and learn how to paint from watching them.”

While creativity was always part of family life, it was relatively recently that painting became something more significant.

“Six years ago, I found that painting helped me with my mental health and I started getting more serious about it,” Khan says.

“I also was worried that cultural stories from my mum would be lost so I started learning these stories and wanted to protect them for my kids and future generations.”

Growing up in Coober Pedy before living in Port Augusta, the APY Lands and Adelaide have given Khan a deep appreciation of South Australia’s diverse landscapes and communities. Those experiences continue to shape her work, with colours, patterns and symbols inspired by the places she has called home. Over the years, Khan’s artistic style has evolved alongside her confidence.

“My art used to be mostly lines and now I do dots as my signature style,” she says. “I love experimenting with different textures and shapes too, so my style has grown into its own unique form.”

At the heart of that evolution is a simple belief about the role art can play in people’s lives.

“Art is important to keep culture alive,” she says. “And the belief that I can inspire young people in my community to make better choices and art can heal.”

That sense of connection extends beyond culture to place. For Khan, South Australia is more than a place to live. It is a place where she feels supported, connected and able to thrive.

“South Australia is my home and it’s where I feel like I belong,” she says. “I love the freedom to create and feel as an artist here I’m supported in a wider art community. It feels amazing to have that encouraging environment here.”

That feeling of belonging also inspired the artwork created for Brand SA, where a large circle represents community, vibrant colours celebrate diversity and native leaves symbolise progression and growth.

“The opportunities and pathways are endless, and I wanted this artwork to reflect abundance and beauty while highlighting the richness of South Australia – my home,” she says.

Her work reflects the richness of South Australia’s diverse communities while remaining grounded in storytelling traditions that have existed for generations.

“My Aboriginal heritage culture art has always been important in my community – for body painting, ceremonies, cave paintings and storytelling,” she says.

“I always try to push the boundaries a little bit by not staying traditional with my art, and tell stories with a new modern lens but also respecting culture.”

At the same time, Khan draws inspiration from both sides of her heritage, using art as a way to better understand and express her multicultural identity.

“With my Pakistani heritage I’ve used art to explore more of that part of me, it’s helped me learn about myself a lot,” she says. “I’ve used Pakistani folk stories to inspire me and inspiration from everyday life of living as a multicultural person.”

Often, she says, inspiration comes from seemingly ordinary moments.

“I would see a small detail in clothing, buildings, everyday interactions and that would be my next idea for an artwork. It’s about noticing small things and taking time to find out what that means to me and interpretation of that shows in my art.”

Whether inspired by a conversation, a memory or a landscape, Khan hopes her work encourages people to see South Australia through a lens of gratitude, connection and possibility.

As her work reaches new audiences through exhibitions, collaborations and public commissions, Khan remains deeply grateful for the support she receives from South Australians.

“It means so much because I work so hard to make my family and community proud, and these opportunities are hard to come by,” she says.

“I never thought I’d be interesting enough to have my art shown in other spaces.”

Supporting Khan’s creative journey has been Angas Street creative hub The Mill, one of South Australia’s leading multidisciplinary arts organisations and home to more than 70 artists and creative businesses.

Working with Brand SA, The Mill has helped guide this collaboration, which reflects a shared commitment to celebrating the state’s creativity, culture and communities while creating opportunities for local artists.

“At The Mill I’m surrounded by people who understand the real life of artists, and having them in my corner is so special for my artwork to continue to grow,” she says.

A limited number of Lisa Khan tote bags will be available to buy during NAIDOC Week. Email DSD.brandsa@sa.gov.au to register your interest.

For a look behind the scenes at The Mill, register for one of their free, fortnightly studio tours here.

NAIDOC Week runs from July 5-12. Find out more here.