LILY THOMAS-MCKNIGHT

Ngadhi Mingaan Ngiyawaygunhanha (Always be my Sister)

Inspired by Ngarinyin Elder David Mowaljarlai’s map of Australia and the dreamtime story ‘The Seven Sisters’, my work ‘Ngadhi Mingaan Ngiyawaygunhanha’ explores the intertwined connections between Aboriginal women through culture, tradition and community. It investigates the bonds of family, relationships and the ongoing connection between Aboriginal peoples. Featuring seven charcoal portraits of my family and community from the Wiradjuri, Yuin and Kamilaroi tribes, seven woven baskets incorporating materials from the South Coast and handmade string, my work seeks to celebrate past, present and emerging relationships between Aboriginal women. Each portrait includes phrases in Wiradjuri symbolising the importance of each woman and their culture to our community. The western style portraits contrast with the traditional baskets and connect the two worlds of western and Indigenous art, thus commenting on the influence of both cultures. Weaving the baskets together with my mother and aunty, emphasizes the importance of communal intergenerational tradition for Aboriginal women. ‘Ngadhi Mingaan Ngiyawaygunhanha’ is a celebration of an ancient culture which still has a profound impact on my relationships with Aboriginal women today.