Derbarl Yerrigan

Long ago, before the world was shaped the way we see it today, the land and waters were formed by the Wagyl (also spelled Waugal or Woggal), the great rainbow serpent. As the Wagyl moved across the land, it created rivers, lakes, waterways,sources of freshwater that are essential for life.

The saltwater belonged to the sea spirits, often seen as powerful and sometimes dangerous forces. These waters held ancient wisdom, food sources, and deep spiritual significance. The sea was connected to the ancestors who traveled long distances and brought law and story.

At certain places, such as where rivers meet the ocean the estuaries, freshwater and saltwater meet. These places were not just ecological mixing zones, but deeply sacred meeting places for Aboriginal people. They represented connection, exchange, and sometimes even conflict like a meeting of different skin groups, languages, or laws.

In Noongar Boodjar, places like the mouth of the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan) or King George Sound (Mammang Koort) are where saltwater and freshwater mix. These are ceremonial places, as well as practical spots for fishing, gathering, and storytelling.

The mixing waters also reflect the joining of families and tribal groups. Merningar, Minang, and other Noongar clans used these places as neutral meeting grounds.

A well known belief is that spirits travel along the water, and where the waters meet, messages from the ancestors can be heard in the wind and the tides. These stories are sometimes passed on through songlines, dances, and artworks.

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I'm a Perth based artist who originates from the Noongar language group based in the South-west of Australia and am traditionally connected to the Ballardong and Minang tribes. I first started painting when i was 12 years old and was inspired by family member artists who include my grandfather Dennis Noongali Kickett and parents Michelle Wilura Kickett and Michael Cummings.

I paint for a hobby and as a form of relaxation in my spare time as it helps me to reflect and to connect to my culture. My work is based around traditional stories and cultural practices which mainly focus on the role Noongar men had. I also paint stories which relate to both my mothers and fathers traditional areas which include coastal and hinterland themes. I mainly work with acrylic paints and practice dot painting techniques and traditional symbolism to represent my themes.

I hope to keep my ancestors culture and stories alive through my artwork and educate the wider community about their i.e. my ancestors traditional way of life. This also includes breaking down barriers for Aboriginal people in the wider society and helping to reconcile past differences between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people. Further, I hope to inspire other aspiring young Aboriginal artists to realise their potential to pursue a career in the arts.