Discover Makuru, an immersive celebration of contemporary Indigenous art, storytelling and cultural connection by Nyoongar-Yamatji artists Dr Richard Walley OAM and Rickeeta Walley.
Over two weeks, The Mark within the State Buildings will transform into an open artist studio, inviting guests to witness the creation of a cross-generational artwork inspired by Noongar Boodjar Country.
Alongside the evolving artwork, the residency includes a series of public programmes and workshops, offering meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange and shared learning.
Join us for an intimate, hands-on weaving workshop led by Rickeeta Walley, sharing in cultural yarning and design.
Those who join will learn how to create a unique piece based upon traditional Nyoongar weaving practice.
All materials are provided, and you will leave with your own handwoven piece.
Gather for an engaging yarning session with celebrated Nyoongar–Yamatji artists Dr Richard Walley OAM and Rickeeta Walley. Through conversation and storytelling, the father-and-daughter artists will share reflections on Country, cultural knowledge, creativity and the inspiration behind Makuru, offering a rare opportunity to hear stories passed between generations and their relevance today.
Dr Richard Walley OAM is a Nyoongar-Yamatji artist whose practice spans decades. Known internationally as a performer, musician and cultural leader, Walley has also been honoured with some of Australia’s highest awards, including the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) and an Honorary Doctorate, acknowledging his lifelong contribution to the arts and to Aboriginal cultural leadership.
Walley’s visual art comes from a deep connection to Country and lived experience, translating story and place into contemporary language. Each work carries cultural knowledge and authority, shaped by years of practice across performance, storytelling, and community leadership. His works are held in private collections and sought after by institutions who value both their aesthetic presence and cultural significance. His practice continues to evolve, marking a rare moment of renewed output from a senior cultural figure whose influence has shaped the trajectory of contemporary Indigenous arts in Australia.
Rickeeta Walley is a Nyoongar-Yamatji artist whose practice explores the subtle intricacies of Boodjar (Country). Her work draws attention to the small systems that exist within the landscape, such as insects, seeds, textures, and the layered surfaces of the natural world. Her intention is to reveal the quiet complexity that sits beneath what we often see at first glance.
Influenced by her background as an educator in biodiversity, Walley approaches Country with a heightened awareness of ecological relationships and natural patterns. This perspective inspires the way she observes and interprets the environment. Mentored by her father, Dr Richard Walley OAM, she continues to develop her own artistic language while drawing strength from cultural knowledge passed through generations.
