CDU Visual Arts student showcases culture through clay in new Alice Springs exhibition

Celebrated Western Aranda artist and Charles Darwin University (CDU) Visual Arts student Hayley Panangka Coulthard will share her culture through clay as part of a new exhibition, Kaltjinthama – Kaltjerrama [Teaching – Learning] in Alice Springs.

Known for her technically skilled and artistically rich ceramics that express a deep connection to Country, the exhibition will showcase new works created as part of her formal University studies - using art and making as a vehicle for storytelling and the sharing of artistic and cultural knowledge. 

A member of the acclaimed Hermannsburg Potters since 2009, Ms Coulthard developed her talent under the mentorship of senior Potters Judith Inkamala and her mother Anita Ratara.

Now a senior artist and mentor to emerging local artists, the two-time finalist in the prestigious Wynne Prize (2022, 2023) is using clay to keep Western Aranda culture strong. 

“Studying at CDU has helped me explore new techniques and reconnect with locally harvested clay from my Country around Ntaria,” Ms Coulthard said.

“The CDU Visual Arts Department in Alice Springs is a fun, safe and supportive place for me and other artists from Hermannsburg Potters to learn and grow our practice.

“Yinga antja nama relha kaltjinthintjaka nhanha arrpmarnintjaka arna-urrkgna [I really want to teach people how to make with the clay].”

Recently graduating from a CUA20720 Certificate II in Visual Arts - where she received CDU's Edgar Dunis Award for Outstanding Achievement by a First Nations Student in Arts - Ms Coulthard is now undertaking a CUA41320 Certificate IV in Visual Arts.

CDU Visual Arts and Arts Administration Lecturer (Faculty of Arts and Society), Lucy Stewart, said it was an honour to work with Ms Coulthard and the Hermannsburg Potters at CDU’s Alice Springs Campus. 

“These very experienced artists have a lot to share but they are also very keen to learn new skills and explore new techniques like harvesting local clays, drawing and printmaking,” Ms Stewart said. 

“Hayley is an established teacher in her community; she is leading the way in using clay as a medium to share her culture and language. 

“We love collaborating with arts organisations, a strength of our courses is that they can link closely with the vibrant arts industry that we have in the Northern Territory.”

Kaltjinthama - Kaltjerrama [Teaching – Learning] opens Tuesday 8th July from 6 - 8pm at Watch This Space (WTS) in Alice Springs.

For more information visit, https://www.wts.org.au/whatson.