Watch and Listen

Watch and Listen

Culture is a vital part of our identity, passed down through generations of knowledge and stories. From birth, we are shaped by this legacy, with learning continuing throughout life. Young children, in particular, absorb everything with boundless curiosity, always asking “why.” Knowing who we are is essential to carry this knowledge forward to the next generation. This exhibition highlights family relationships and the transfer of cultural knowledge. It showcases connections between aunties and nieces, fathers and children, through painting, weaving, and object-making. These works celebrate traditions, even in the face of historical attempts to suppress them.

Many of our grandparents grew up on missions, punished for speaking their languages and practicing customs, leaving a generational gap in cultural knowledge. As Indigenous artists, we reclaim and revive our heritage, piecing together what was lost. Through art, we awaken old traditions and create new ones, ensuring future generations have a stronger cultural foundation. Our work honours the past while forging new paths forward.

Carly Tarkari Dodd is an artist and curator of Kaurna, Narungga, and Ngarrindjeri descent, known for creating contemporary woven jewellery and sculptures. She was taught traditional weaving by Ngarrindjeri Elder Aunty Ellen Trevorrow at a young age. She has collaborated with her four-year-old niece, Harper, in a creative exchange of drawing and weaving, resulting in a series of woven jewellery. Each piece of jewellery represents a strong maternal figure in Harper’s family. Inspired by Carly’s solo Tarnanthi exhibition, One of Many, which featured woven frames made from raffia and ribbon, Harper began painting coloured borders around her own drawings at kindergarten. She made pieces for her mother, Morag (Mumma), her grandmother, Lila (Lala), and one for herself. Carly then brought these drawings to life, weaving Harper’s shapes with raffia and coloured ribbon. This collaboration honours the strong women within their family and community, celebrating their influence. One day, Harper will grow into her role as a proud Blak Scottish Matriarch, continuing this legacy of strength and creativity.

James Tylor is a multi-disciplinary visual artist working across various mediums, including photography, video, painting, sculpture, and installation. Drawing from his diverse heritage Nunga (Kaurna Miyurna), Māori (Te Arawa), and European (English, Scottish, Irish, Dutch and Norwegian). Tylor explores cultural identity and environmental themes, focusing on the impact of 19th-century Australian history on contemporary issues. While culture wasn’t always present for James growing up, he is committed to making it a central part of life for his son, Mapu. James has created objects such as the Midla (spear thrower), Wirri (club), and Murlapaka (Kaurna Broad Bark Shield) for Mapu to engage with his Kaurna culture. He believes culture should be part of everyday life and takes pride in passing down knowledge from all his cultural backgrounds. Mapu is not only learning from James but also sharing what he learns, teaching his friends at preschool about foraging and harvesting, fostering cultural pride and understanding at a young age.

Damien Shen, a South Australian artist of Ngarrindjeri and Chinese descent, creates deeply personal art reflecting his dual heritage and broadening perspectives on Australian identity and Aboriginal art. Inspired by his childhood love of portraiture and storytelling, Damien now collaborates with his daughter, Kalani, who is developing her acrylic painting skills. Together, they honour Blak heroes, everyday leaders, elders, and change-makers through their art. Kalani’s family portraits, including depictions of Uncle Moogy, Lavene Ngatokorua and Uncle Mickey O’Brien, share cultural knowledge, and create a lasting visual legacy.

Watch and Listen is a celebration of intergenerational connection and the enduring strength of culture. Through the creative practices of painting, weaving, object-making, and storytelling, this exhibition reflects the vital role of family in passing down cultural knowledge and reviving traditions. It acknowledges the resilience of Indigenous communities in reclaiming what was once lost and highlights the importance of creating a solid cultural foundation for future generations.

Carly Tarkari Dodd
November 2024
Exhibition Curator & Artist