Yvonne Koolmatrie is a celebrated Ngarrindjeri fibre artist whose career as a master weaver began in 1982 after attending a workshop led by the late Dorothy Kartinyeri, thought to be one of few remaining practitioners of the traditional coiled bundle weaving technique. Gaining knowledge from Kartinyeri, and subsequently researching the South Australian Museum’s Ngarrindjeri woven objects collection, Koolmatrie not only revitalised this craft but also innovated her own distinctive methods.
In creating this installation for the Health and Medical Research Building, Koolmatrie partnered with Adelaide-based artist and designer, Karl Meyer. Together, they conceptualised and developed the artwork, with Meyer bringing his technological expertise to engineer its structure, including the use of synthetic materials that emulate the appearance and texture of the spiny-headed sedge rushes (Lepidosperma canescens) characteristic of Koolmatrie’s practice.
Entitled Yamalaitji ngurikawi wurri (First blossom acacia seed), the artwork fuses traditional Ngarrindjeri weaving techniques with contemporary artistic expression, offering a reflection on the rich medicinal traditions of First Nations peoples. Inspired by the organic forms of the acacia plant—utilised for generations to treat headaches, colds and fevers, skin disorders and other ailments—the artwork not only honours the past but also invites contemplation on the invaluable contributions of First Nations knowledges to our collective understanding of health and healing today.
