Artworks

Wardli is the Kaurna word for “home.” This vibrant Wardli art installation represents the journeys of First Nations students — past, present and future — at St Aloysius College.

The collaborative project was created by First Nations students and staff, together with Cedric Varcoe, Uncle Major ‘Moogy’ Sumner and architect Peter Moeck.

The artwork symbolises students connecting with teachers, staff and First Nations Student Support Officers as they learn, share and grow in knowledge throughout their journey of understanding their place within both the College community and the wider world. It reflects the way students gather knowledge and experiences while growing up within diverse cultural contexts, deepening their understanding of culture both at school and at home with their families.

The installation also highlights the importance of preserving and carrying cultural knowledge throughout life, creating a space where students can gather, share stories and pass on knowledge to future generations.

These wardlis are designed for students of all ages to meet, sit and yarn, forging and strengthening connections with one another.

About the Artist

Cedric Varcoe was born in Adelaide in 1984 and is a Narungga & Ramindjeri man of the Ngarrindjeri language group. He has lived on Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri, Nukunu and Narungga land.

Cedric started painting at 8 years old. As a child his mum would take him to the beach to collect rocks and shells and paint them, listening to Ngarrindjeri stories from his aunties, uncles and mum’s cousins. He lived in Port Pirie when he became a dad and studied literacy and art at TAFE where he set up an art group. In 2015 he received an ArtSA grant to research his practice and colour theory. Furthering his career, Cedric teamed up with Betterworld Arts, who support his practice by selling his work nationally and internationally. Cedric exhibits his work regularly and is also an experienced mural artist and Cultural Leader on his Country.