Barkinji artist Nici Cumpston works to capture the reverence and reciprocal connection between First Peoples and Country's landscape.
Her work will feature of NAIDOC Week celebrations on Naarm / Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula next month, acknowledging and respecting the cultural significance of waterways.
"The rivers are our lifeblood; like a trusted relative, they support us by providing food, water, and shelter," Ms Cumpston said.
"As a Barkandji artist, we rely on them to sustain us physically, emotionally, and spiritually and in turn we are culturally responsible to care for them.
"I create portraits of these waterways, including the rivers, the lakes, and the trees, to give them reverence and to share stories of Aboriginal occupation and ongoing survival on our land."
All Australians are invited to engage and celebrate this at Water bodies, a major exhibition of contemporary First Nations art presented by Kingston Arts in Moorabbin, on Bunurong Country. It's set to feature a diverse collection of perspectives on waterways and First Nations' connection in photography, moving image, weaving, printmaking, sculpture, textiles and new commissions.
Ms Cumpston's 2019 pigment print Oh my Murray Darling is included in the exhibition. As are works by Mandy Quadrio (Trawlwoolway, Laremairamenner), Auntie Netty Shaw (Trawlwoolway, Tyereelore, Bunurong), Aunty Dyan Summers (Bunurong, Bass Strait Islander, Trawlwoolway), Judy Watson (Waanyi people), and Lisa Waup (Gunditjmara, Torres Stait Islander).
Throughout, stories and reflections on the Birrarung (Yarra River) and Barka, southern ocean kelp forests, local creeks, their wellbeing and condition.
It's a free exhibition open from July 3 to August 29 at the Kingston Arts Precinct.
"Arts and culture help bring people together, and exhibitions like Water bodies give our community the opportunity to engage with different stories and perspectives," Kingston Mayor Georgia Oxley said.
Councillor Oxley added the Council is proud to do so.
"This year's NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years of Deadly, recognises the achievements, strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the past five decades.
"Water bodies showcases the work of outstanding First Peoples artists while highlighting the deep connections between water, Country and culture.
"I encourage our community to visit the exhibition and experience these powerful artworks for themselves."
Ms Cumpson shared a similar sentiment; that acknowledgment and honouring continued connection and responsibility is something important to be seen.
"NAIDOC Week is a time for all Australians to celebrate the ongoing connections and responsibilities that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with their Country and their communities," she said.
"It is important to honour and continue the work started by previous generations to be recognised as the First Peoples of what is now known as Australia."
