Saltwater Freshwater Arts 2023 is a touring exhibition combining the Saltwater Freshwater Aboriginal Art Award and contemporary cultural objects exhibition.
The exhibition started its journey on Gadigal land in Sydney, opening at Boomalli Aboriginal Art Gallery on Friday 18th August 2023
With this years exhibition featuring many talented artists from our very own Nyiirunba Djuyalbaa.
The Warrumbungles
As a proud Gomeroi descendant, I chose to create this piece to speak on one of the most distinct landmarks that cross our country - The Warrumbungle Mountain Range, which is Gamilaroi for "Crooked Mountain". These sandstone rock formations tower over the township and grasslands, and can be seen from many kilometres afar. When I think of these mountains and the stories that they hold. - Erica Blanch.
The Stories We Share
Each dot represents one of many things. The areas where they are loaded together are a depiction of Mother Nature cracking open and revealing what lies beneath the surface. These parts are all our loved ones that have come before us, and the stories and knowledge they hold. I decided to use dots again to create the journey lines. Each of these depict the storytelling that is being passed down in today’s generations. I find it to hold great value to teach our youth about who they are in terms of family, where they come from, and all the possible bright futures they could strive towards. Native animal and human tracks, as well as traditional hunting tools with a few witchetty grubs are featured throughout the piece, to showcase what can be found on country and the journeys that have been taken. I concluded to add some contemporary dotting symbols I’ve currently been experimenting with to fill in any areas. The gold line details are a small element I wanted to include to have a subtle representation of my cultural totem. We all have a story to share, whether that be one of tradition, or a new one. My question is, what’s your story? What knowledge are you willing to share? - Sandy Abigall.
Our Elders
Teachers, leaders, survivors, strength, tradition, culture, knowledge holders, and living libraries, there are many words and ways we can describe our Elders.
The five circles in the centre represent our Elders, all different but a continual link. The ribbons of colour represent how we each interact with our Elders in different ways. The gold shows the impressions that our Elders leave in our communities. The colours left in the weave pattern show how our memories and what we learn and share with our Elders are imprinted all around us. - Rachel Cross.
Warranggal Yinarr (Strong Woman)
This artwork tells the story of my Identity, honouring my Aboriginality, femininity, and strength. Sharing my connection to Country, culture, family, and self. This piece has added significance as it represents healing from a significant traumatic event; art and the creative process of using imagery and emotions, instead of words, as a way of storytelling, aided the healing journey and connecting with my identity. The centre circle symbolises my femininity and strength, with my totem, the dragonfly, sitting on my hand, carrying the wisdom of transformation and adaptability. The outer circle is symbolic of family and connection to kinship ties and Country. Elements of Country and family are woven throughout the piece to signify my deep connection to culture and kin. The colour palette used is a blend of pink and brown that depict the rich colours of Lands and my femininity. - Natalie Jennings.
To view the Saltwater Freshwater Art 2023 exhibition catalogue click the button below.
Upcoming exhibition touring dates -
Yarrawarra
Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery - 20th Oct 2023 to 25th Nov 2023
Taree
Manning Regional Art Gallery - 8th Dec 2030 to 28th Jan 2024
Port Macquarie
Glasshouse Regional Gallery - 3rd Feb 2024 to 31st March 2024
Coffs Harbour
Yarrila Arts and Museum - 31st May 2024 to 28th July 2024
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