“Markings”
Nikki McKenzie Wadawurrung
Digital artwork 2022
Commissioned for the 2023/24 First Nations NBN Box Art Project

About the artwork

This design is based on the body art of the Male Cow Fish belonging to Port Phillip Bay. Sitting together in the lower right corner the family awaits the fresh fish being hunted and the vegetables and shell fish being collected. The weaving shows traditional practices of fishing through netting along with the spears used in the shallows. The wavy lines express movement of the tide and changing of the seasons which tells us when the coastal camps start their journey back inland.

We belong to Salt Water Country and the overall design represents that connection.

About the artist

Nikki McKenzie is a proud Aboriginal Woman with heritage connecting her to Wadawurrung Country and was born and raised in Warrnambool Gunditjmara Country. Nikki draws inspiration from Country and nature works in a variety of mediums and enjoys trying new methods to broaden her artistic range.

Artwork location