LYDIA GAUCI

I was born in Darwin on Larrakia land, however identify as Yamatji (WA) and Malak-Malak (NT) as this is where my family are from. I moved to Adelaide when I was 4 years old and have grown up here. During my early childhood my parents would take me on road trips back to Darwin where we would travel through the middle of Australia and I would get to see and learn about my Aboriginal culture.

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With my mother having a heavy presence in the Aboriginal community in Adelaide I have grown up being a part of it with her. I have attended art classes at Tauondi College, open days, exhibitions and cultural experiences at Tandanya and Living Kaurna Cultural Centre and visited remote communities in the APY Lands. I have had the privilege to learn traditional art techniques from elders and learn about my culture first hand.

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Although I have learnt many traditional art techniques my main artistic passion is photography. With the way I was brought up and my Aboriginal culture I have quite a strong connection to the land, flora and fauna which are my main subjects in my photography. 

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My teaching method is a bit more modern as I class myself as an Urban Aboriginal. I will always speak about our Aboriginal history and its rich culture as I believe this is important for everyone to know, however I also like to share how our culture is evolving and modernising with the times. I reflect this in the projects I do by blending our traditional art forms with modern mediums and techniques.