Caitlyn Davies-Plummer

Two Worlds

"Two Worlds" symbolises Caitlyn's ties to both Adelaide and Broken Hill and how her connection stays strong even when she isn't on Country. The two main campsites represent the two worlds and Caitlyn's family gathered around both. The river system connecting both places, symbolises her strong connection to the Barkaa (River.) The mountains represent the beautiful Mutawintji, an area of special significance to the Barkindji people. There is also a dual meaning of symbolising overcoming adversity. They serve as a reminder of your strength and resilience in hard times. The other campsites in the centre of the painting represent journey points and important events that have made Caitlyn who she is. The people in this area that are floating, represent the people that have come in and out of Caitlyn's life. Although they may not be central in her life currently, they have had an impact on who she is today.

River Camps

This painting centres around two rivers and how important the Barkaa is to the Barkindji people. The painting has symbols of campsites, people sitting along the river, desert shrubs, kangaroo footprints and stars.

Meeting at the River

This painting came about after Caitlyn visited Menindee with her parents. When she came home she was really missing country and wanted a painting to represent the special lunch she had with her parents by the Barkaa (river.) Every time she looks at this painting, she is transported back to this day and time on Country. The mountains have a dual meaning of representing the hills of Mutawintji and to represent strength and resilience. Other symbols used include desert shrubs, cracked earth, people sitting along the river and campsites. Caitlyn would also like to acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional owners of the land this piece was created on.

Gathering on Country

Each piece in the series focuses on family groups gathering together at a campsite on Country. Part Two has a mountain that represents that hills of Mutawintji. A special/sacred place for Caitlyn and her family. The mountain has a dual meaning of strength and overcoming adversity. It serves as a reminder that you can overcome anything that is put in front of you. There is also a river that flows from the mountain that represents the Barkaa ( Darling River.) The Barkindji people have a deep spiritual connection to the Darling river and all it provides to us and the Country. The paint strokes coming from the campsite and people, are the energy exchange between us and Country. It represents mutual respect and love. This painting takes Caitlyn back to Country, and she hopes it will bring a sense of calmness to your home.

Back to Country

This painting represents the beauty of Mutawintji and was painted after Caitlyn arrived home from a trip back on Country. She walked through Mutawintji and was in awe of its beauty. This painting is a reminder of how at peace Caitlyn is when she is back on Country. The mountains down both sides of the painting represent the cliffs/hills in Mutawintji and allow Caitlyn to visualise herself back on Country. Caitlyn would also like to acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional owners of the land this piece was created on.

The Path They Have Laid

(NAIDOC 2023)

This art piece is a dedication to our Elders in honour of the 2023 NAIDOC Week theme, "For Our Elders".
The main pathway in this painting is a symbol of the path that our Elders and generations before us have laid. Our Elders have paved the way for us and are constantly sharing their cultural knowledge. The mountains symbolise the struggles and hardships our Elders have been through and how they have consistently shown their strength through their triumph. The campsite at the bottom of the painting represents the past and the top left campsite is our Elders today. The circle around them represents a circle of safety, symbolising to us to always look after, respect and listen to our Elders.

We would not be where we are today without our Elders. This painting is dedicated to all of the special Elders in my life who have guided me, taught me and shown me the strength culture has to pull me through even when times are hard.