Mary-Lou Orliyarli Divilli is a Nyikina and Ngarinyin woman, living in Kupungarri Community, on the Gibb River Road. Mary-Lou’s work is deeply rooted in her connection to Country and her love for her children. Drawing inspiration from Country, that has always provided solace and comfort, she uses her artistic practice as a means of healing.
Since childhood, Mary-Lou has sought peace in nature. In her art, she captures the fleeting moments of innocence and wonder in her children’s lives. She sees herself in her children and Country as the protector. The land serves as a source of strength and photography is a way to heal and prevail over times of grief and pain.
Throughout my toughest times, I had my faith and my culture. I prayed for strength and courage to get me through each day. I think the strength and courage that I received were the distractions of my family and the country that I live in. Country and art played a big part of my healing.
This work was created during Exposure: New Voices in Australian Photography. Exposure, is a photo media initiative by the Perth Centre of Photography (PCP), supporting the need for and value of empowering First Nations artists with opportunities to voice their stories and lived experience via artistic practice.
PCP partnered with Kimberley-focused organistaion, Camera Story, to deliver the tailored mentoring program in the artists home communities to provided skills development, resources, professional opportunities, and network development over an 18-month period. .
Between 2021-2023, Exposure saw artists and mentors working across Djugan, Yawuru, Ngarinyin, Mangala, Karajarri, Wunambol, Kwini and Whadjuk Noongar Country in the Kimberley, Pilbara and South-West regions on Western Australia.
