CVA748 Canvas Cushion Cover Digital

Ngurunderi’s Journey and the Creation of Ngarrindjeri Country

When Ngurunderi travelled through what is now Ngarrindjeri Country, he came down the Murray River in his canoe. At that time, the river was only a small stream. Ngurunderi was searching for his two wives who had run away from him, and he was following Pondi, the giant Murray Cod, who carved out the twists and turns of the river with the sweeping motion of his powerful tail. Ngurunderi tried to spear Pondi along the journey.

Together, Ngurunderi and Pondi formed the Murray River, the lakes, the landforms, and everything within Ngarrindjeri Country. Ngurunderi made the rain that feeds the river and the surrounding lands. With the rain came the rainbow, a symbol represented in this painting. Ngurunderi also created the Ngarrindjeri people, who now live along the River Murray, around the lakes, in the Coorong region, across to Cape Jervis, and into the southern parts of what is now Adelaide.

Ngurunderi travelled with his family, and they each played a part in the creation of Ngarrindjeri Country. He taught the people law (lore), dance, song, hunting skills, and everything needed to live in harmony with their land.

When they reached Lake Alexandrina, Ngurunderi’s brother-in-law, Nepele, helped him spear and kill Pondi. Ngurunderi cut the great fish into many pieces, and each piece became a new species of fish that still populates the river system today. Although Ngurunderi never caught his wives—who drowned while crossing to Kangaroo Island, which at that time was still connected to the mainland—he eventually joined the spirit world, becoming a star in the Milky Way.

Cedric Varcoe’s Artistic Journey

In July 2015, Cedric Varcoe received a grant from Arts SA for professional development and cultural research. With the support of Better World Arts, Cedric embarked on an intensive program that involved researching archived materials at the South Australian Museum and speaking with Ngarrindjeri Elders to deepen his knowledge of his cultural heritage.

Simultaneously, Cedric participated in developmental art workshops that focused on life drawing, brush techniques, and colour theory. These workshops enhanced the technical aspects of his practice and expanded his visual storytelling skills.

The impact of this cultural and artistic immersion became immediately evident in Cedric’s work. He continues to grow as a significant contemporary artist, weaving ancient stories and traditional knowledge into each canvas with skill, sensitivity, and purpose.