Portraits of Yinggarda Elders II

Led by artist Gosia Taylor and supported by community engagement from Cheryl Moncreiff, the project saw visits to eight respected Yinggarda women. Their photographs became the foundation for a striking series of black and white acrylic portraits.

The completed works will be unveiled during National Reconciliation Week 2026 and exhibited at the Shire of Carnarvon Library & Art Gallery from 19 May – 13 June, surrounding Reconciliation Week. The portraits will first be shared privately with the Elders and their families, followed by a Reconciliation Week gathering with the Shire’s RAP Reference Group before opening to the wider community.

Following the exhibition, the portraits will be retained within the Shire of Carnarvon Art Collection, ensuring these stories, faces and cultural contributions remain visible for generations to come.

• Marion Crowe – painted by Carmen Reilly
• Merle Dann – painted by Helen Brooks
• Sharon Crowe – painted by Dave Stewart
• Philomena Dodd – painted by Rowena Christ
• Cheryl Moncreiff – painted by Wendy George
• Bella Randall – painted by Bernadine Anning
• Kath Ryan – painted by Karla Tittums
• Esther Edney – painted by Senia Samuela-Eastmure

For Gosia Taylor, portraiture is both a technical discipline and a deeply human responsibility.

“Portraiture is demanding, even small changes in proportion or shading can alter likeness.

Working from a photograph adds further complexity. Translating a flat image into something dimensional and emotionally present requires patience, discipline and strong observation skills.

Yet beyond technique, the project fostered something equally important: cultural respect and shared learning.

Artists supported one another, exchanged ideas and built confidence across the sessions. Teaching in black and white strengthened the process, without the distraction of colour, participants focused closely on light, shadow and structure while carefully honouring each Elder’s individuality and presence.

Watching community artists grow in confidence was incredibly rewarding. You could see the shift from uncertainty to pride as the likeness began to emerge.

The process created space for deeper reflection, attentive observation and respectful representation,  demonstrating how creative practice can contribute to cultural understanding and reconciliation in action.

This project has been challenging, emotional and incredibly fulfilling. I feel proud of the artists and grateful to have been part of their journey.”