At Perth's Elizabeth Quay last weekend a water canvas displayed the story of Kooyar, a tiny frog who carries a big responsibility.
For four nights, Elizabeth Quay became a place filled with storytelling, animation, live cultural performances and larger-than-life puppets for all ages to enjoy.
At the heart of the night was the 14 metres high and 30 metres wide projection which displayed a 20 minute visual story onto a curtain of water droplets in the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River).
Whadjuk Noongar artist Biara Martin was behind the original illustrations for the of Kooyar, with around 30 of her drawings transformed through animation.
Ms Martin's artistic style blends traditional Aboriginal dreaming narratives with contemporary landscape painting and is inspired by native flora and fauna of Western Australia.
The story follows Kooyar — during the Noongar seasons Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba, Kambarang — whose sacred song calls the life-giving rains to help the Flora and Fauna.
"With this art process I initially went through the animals that would be abundant in that season...I tried to make it as accurate as possible to follow what you'd see in that season," Ms Martin said.
As Kooyar journeys across Noongar Boodja the audience sees black cockatoos, a sign of changing seasons as waterways begin to flow and wildflowers burst into bloom. Together they reveal the connection between people, animals and country.
Inspired by a story from respected Whadjuk Nooongar Elder Theresa Walley, Ms Martin worked alongside her aunty storyteller and cultural consultant Rose Walley to bring Kooyar to life.
"It was inspired by my grandmother, who is aunty Rose's mum and it follows the journey on how the Kooyar gets its voice," she said.
In the story the little Kooyar loses its voice. He desperately tries to regain it to warn other animals that the land needs water to thrive and that they have to work together.
The story's message shows no matter one's size, a voice can be loud, strong, and still make a difference.
"Because it's tailed towards children, it allows children to speak up and use their voice, which is really important and a growing aspect," Ms Martin said.
For Ms Martin, helping her aunty showcase a story so close to home has made her feel more connected to her grandmother.
"It's something I've held close to my heart," she said.
"My grandmother, she loved her culture, she was a storyteller, she loved sharing her knowledge, her wisdom and she loved art. She's done so much art work and books just to pass on that knowledge and to keep the culture alive.
"I know she would be quite proud of everyone involved."
The story of Kooyar was a collaboration between multiple artists and supporters, curated by Rose Walley and delivered by Development WA.
It showcased continuously from 7pm to 10pm from Friday 25th to Monday 28th September.
