Artist:
Yvonne Koolmatrie
Every time I go to the river, I’ll always think of these people that were here many years ago. When I come back to this land, I’ll always respect it. It is their land.
I attended a one-day workshop in 1981, and there was an Aunty there, Aunty Dory. She knew the basic stitch, about the material, how to prepare it, the time of the year to collect it. So that was all taught in one day’s workshop. Then I got interested in that culture, my mother’s culture. I sort of didn’t realise how important it was until ... you know, I learned to weave. I couldn’t put it down once I started, I just could not leave it down. Sort of in my blood, you know? I’ve got to keep the culture alive. Wherever I go, I will always say to them: ‘I’m not the boss of this weaving. It is yours as much as it is mine. It’s up to you to create, whatever that river runs, if the material grows, this culture is yours’.
Photo: Ben Searcy
Yvonne Koolmatrie
(Ngarrindjeri people)
River Dreaming 2012
Purchased 2016. This acquisition has been supported by Sue and Steve Dyer in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum.
Yvonne Koolmatrie
(Ngarrindjeri people)
Shrimp scoop 2015
Courtesy of the Art Gallery of South Australia.
Yvonne Koolmatrie
(Ngarrindjeri people)
Eel trap 2015
Courtesy of the Art Gallery of South Australia.
Yvonne Koolmatrie
(Ngarrindjeri people)
Sister basket 2015
Courtesy of the Art Gallery of South Australia.
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