UV Songlines: Illuminating Ancestral Roots

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Artist Statement

As a proud Arabana, Mudbura, Gurindji, and Warlpiri woman, Colleen Raven Strangways’ art is a tribute to the enduring strength and wisdom of First Nations peoples.

“In UV Songlines: Illuminating Ancestral Roots, I aim to honour our Elders—the knowledge holders whose stories and songlines are the lifeblood of our culture.” – Colleen Raven Strangways

Through photography, she seeks to capture the resilience, spirituality, and beauty that define Aboriginal communities. This series features portraits of Aboriginal individuals adorned with UV-reactive body paint, symbolising the sacred songlines that connect these individuals to ancestors and to the land. Under ultraviolet light, these designs come alive, revealing narratives that are often unseen yet deeply felt. The use of UV light serves as a metaphor for the hidden layers of heritage, illuminating the profound connections that bind First peoples across time and space. Each image is a collaborative effort, with the artist working the participants to capture their stories and allow their bodies to become canvases of cultural expression. The models pose convey strength, dignity, and a deep connection to their heritage. By integrating traditional symbols with contemporary photographic techniques, Strangways’ strives to create a dialogue between past and present, showcasing the dynamic nature of her culture.

UV Songlines is more than an art project; it is a celebration of identity, a reclamation of narrative, and a beacon of cultural pride. Through this work, Strangways’ hopes to inspire reflection, foster understanding, and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the significance of First Nations stories in Australia's collective consciousness.