The Story Of Dhungala

Storytelling through art goes beyond aesthetic appeal, serving as a vital means for cultural preservation and personal expression. Localisation is deeply interwoven with this process, reinforcing the connection between art, history, and place. As we densely populate our cities, it is imperative to remember and celebrate the narratives that precede us.

Glenda Nicholls' "Dhungala" demonstrates her skilful use of weaving to tell the creation story of Dhungala (the Murray River). Dhungala means ‘Big Waters’ in Yorta Yorta language. The story follows a wise winyah (‘woman’), who was sent down from the high country by the Creator, Biami.

As Nicholls wove Dhungala, she mediated and reflected on this story and with each knot and weave, the artwork and story became eternally linked.? Nicholls' approach underscores the therapeutic and restorative nature of art-making as well as the fusion of art and storytelling. ?Through storytelling, her work sustains cultural identities and promotes wellbeing, offering a creative avenue for expressing and navigating adversities. This practice demonstrates how traditional arts act as a medium for artistic expression and a tool for ongoing cultural renewal and deep intergenerational connections, thus contributing to a richer, more connected society.

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