Saltwater Freshwater Art Book

The project began with the formation of the visual artist living map – a database of practising Aboriginal visual artists living between Karuah in the south and Coffs Harbour in the north, which includes Worimi, Birpai, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr nations. Approximately 180 artists were unearthed and 39 were selected to appear in this publication.

“The publication represents a moment in time; a snapshot of practicing Aboriginal visual artists that will inspire and lay foundation for the emerging talent, particularly amongst the region’s young people,”

Alison Williams, Gumbaynggirr artist.

The art in this publication is unique in style and contains the stories of these artists and their work. An essay written by Professor Margo Neale, Principal Advisor (Indigenous) and Senior Curator at the National Museum of Australia appears in the book, giving context to the work produced by the Saltwater Freshwater artists, its cultural value and where they sit in the lineage of art history in this country.

“Aboriginal art, like us as a people, was largely invisible until the 1970s. The struggle of Aboriginal people, which has changed over the decades, is clearly visible in the works of this book. They are not radicalized, they do not deal overtly with political subject matter but rather, as a whole they exhibit a sense of connection, belonging and identity,”

Professor Margo Neale

This publication is ideal for schools, universities and anyone with an interest in Aboriginal art. “Our dream at Saltwater Freshwater is that the community of artists represented in this publication will grow so that the Aboriginal art from this region is as world-renowned as it deserves to be,” says Alison.

This publication has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its funding and advisory body.