Bayadherra - the Broad-shelled Turtle

The Artwork

Bayadherra illustrates the coming together of First Nations and scientific communities, and the beginnings of a friendship on the banks of the winding Dhungala (Murray River). Bayadherra, the Broad-shelled Turtle, is the totem species of Yorta Yorta, central to their creation stories as a provider, guide and protector. For scientists, it is Australia’s largest freshwater turtle, threatened in Victoria and of conservation concern. Bayadherra portrays Reconciliation and cultural collaboration through conservation. The detailed hyperfocus of scientific illustration techniques alongside the broader environmental and social context of First Nations art unify to create one goal, and one Bayadherra, moving forward.

The judges

Kimberley Moulton (Writer and Curator, Senior Curator and Museums Victoria) Phuong Ngo (Artist and Curator, Co-Director of Hyphenated Products and winner of 2021 Banyule Award for Works on Paper)

Kimberley Moulton:

“This work meets the criteria set for the award in relation to coming together both in the literal sense of the collaborative work but also speaks to a broader conversation around solidarity, and the very pertinent issue of protecting the country and threatened species. The artists coming together to unify their practice to speak to this important issue shows a respect for each other's cultures and sciences, and a determination shared to protect the freshwater turtle into the future. Rochelle Patten is also a Senior Elder and knowledge holder, and her cultural artistic practice is significant to the state of Victoria and in highlighting country and animals. The work is cohesive with the two artists' styles coming together seamlessly and in dialogue with each other. This is a visually stunning work and has great conceptual depth and a warm collaborative approach”

Our story:

Aunty Rochelle and I met in 2010 on the banks of the Murray River (Dhungala) at Yielima (Yorta Yorta Country). We were brought together by our respective communities, Yorta Yorta Nation and research scientists, following the Millennium Drought and concerns for the local turtle populations.

We first met at a community day in 2009, and from this meeting grew a friendship based on our mutual love for nature, listening to the land and, finally, through art. We would meet on Country when I was up doing annual field work and down in Melbourne (Naarm) at event openings for Rochelle’s artworks or when she was simply passing through.

As well as an expression of our friendship, Bayadherra is the first piece we have created together – a long term goal that has finally been realised! It was submitted into the Banyule Award for Works on Paper 2023 and addressed the theme:

Nhalinggu Bagung (come gather in the Woiwurrung language)

Artists were invited to show what Reconciliation looks like from an individual or collaborative perspectives and lived experiences through artistic response.

A very limited print run of 10 will be produced soon. Please submit your details below if you would like to be notified when they are available for purchase