WATER STORIES
Melanie Koolmatrie
Between the Lakes (25-307)
2025
128x128cm
Acrylic on linen
“This painting depicts the songlines that flow between Lake Albert and Lake Alexandrina, extending into the River Murray. These waterways carry ancient spiritual pathways that hold stories of creation, movement, and connection. The work reflects how these lakes are interconnected, forming a living network that links Ngarrindjeri Country, culture, and community.”
NOW SHOWING AT YITPI YARTAPUULTIKU
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NOW SHOWING AT YITPI YARTAPUULTIKU ~
An exhibition by Ngarrindjeri artist Melanie Koolmatrie and artists from Arts Ceduna from the Far West Coast of South Australia.
View the exhibition in-person at Yitpi Yartapuultiku until 16 March 2026
Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm, Saturday -Sunday 10am - 2pm
Yitpi Yartapuultiki
Kaurna Country, 1300 Old Port Road
Yartapuulti / Port Adelaide SA
Join us for an Artist Talk with Melanie Koolmatrie at Yitpi Yartapuultiku
Saturday 28 Febraury 2026
Artist Talk: 10:00am - 10:45am
Q&A: 10:45am - 11:00am
No bookings required
Beaver Lennon
Gawler Ranges (25-547)
2025
48x40cm
Acrylic on canvas
Beaver was born in Adelaide and has lived most of his life in Ceduna where he now paints at Arts Ceduna - a Ku Arts supported Art Centre. He comes from a Mirning and Antikirinjara family of well-respected artists and writers who have greatly influenced his work. His early works were inspired by his grandmother's Dreaming stories of the Bunda Cliffs along the Great Australian Bight, while more recent works are heavily influenced by his grandfather's Dreaming: Malu Tjuta (many kangaroos). While Beaver is known for his realist style paintings, he also explores with other creative endeavours including ghost net sculptures and marine debris weavings.
Melanie reflects on her deep cultural and personal connection to water, exploring the life-giving energy of the River, Lakes, Coorong, and Sea. Her work speaks to water’s role as a source of transformation, reflection, and renewal.
Arts Ceduna’s sculptural works, created from marine debris and ghost nets, reflect on the beauty and fragility of our oceans. Wirangu, Gugada/Kokatha, and Mirning artists developed these artworks during an on-Country camp at Mt Ives, these pieces transform discarded materials into powerful statements on care for Country and ocean sustainability. Each artwork raises awareness about environmental protection and the impact of pollution on marine life, while expressing the artist’s deep cultural and personal connection to water and place.
Water Stories highlights the interconnection between people and the environment, reminding us that water is not just a resource, but a living force that connects and sustains us all.
Ku Arts Support
Ku Arts is passionate about creating opportunities for our artists, whether through creative development programs or pathways that support strong economic outcomes. Water Stories celebrates the work Ku Arts does walking alongside our member art centres and independent artists, strengthening creative practice, visibility, and sustainable careers across South Australia.
For this exhibition, Ku Arts supported Arts Ceduna and Ngarrindjeri artist Melanie Koolmatrie through both creative and professional development initiatives. Melanie received one-on-one mentorship and artwork development support from Ku Arts Studio Manager, Em Franklin, with generous art material assistance from Arts National. Arts Ceduna artists were supported through wellbeing camps on Country at Mt Ives and Ku Arts-facilitated workshops, where sculptural works made from marine debris and ghost nets were developed.
Together, these collaborations demonstrate Ku Arts’ commitment to nurturing strong, culturally grounded practice by empowering artists to tell their stories, care for Country, and create meaningful connections between people and place.
