I am thrilled to share that I just returned from Geraldton after two months working on my new project, Saltwater Women of the Midwest - a multimedia exhibition. Through photography, video, and immersive installation, the project brings together the voices and experiences of remarkable women whose identities are intertwined with the sea.
During my time in the Midwest, I met extraordinary women living and working across the region including the islands of Houtman-Abrolhos, Kalbarri and Dongara. These women’s lives are deeply connected to the ocean, the land, and the unique rhythms of coastal life. Their generosity, strength, humour, and resilience have left a big impression on me.
This first journey marks the beginning of a much larger process. The project will unfold over at least three trips across the Midwest region, where I will continue working closely with participating women - photographing them and recording their stories.
While in Geraldton, the project also included a mentorship component supporting Yamatji artist Nicole Dickerson and Iindyah Imarni Martin, whom I first met in October 2025 through the Shine Emerging program. It has been incredibly rewarding to share this creative journey and exchange ideas through the proces
As part of the exhibition, I will present a series of large-format photographic portraits, each accompanied by video storytelling that reflects the women’s personal experiences and connection to place. Woven throughout the exhibition will be an immersive audiovisual installation created in collaboration with audiovisual artist Roly Skender, designed to bring these coastal worlds vividly to life.
In addition, Tilly Kelleher, a beautiful singer-songwriter, will compose an original piece to weave through the soundscape alongside field recordings gathered from the local environment: waves, birdsong, wind, working sounds, and voices. Together, these elements will create a deeply immersive ethereal sensory experience, transporting audiences into the heart of the Midwest coast.
A beautifully designed exhibition booklet will also be produced to preserve the project’s legacy and document the stories, portraits, and creative process for future audiences.
The long-term vision for Saltwater Women is to present the exhibition at the Museum of Geraldton Temporary Exhibition Gallery in October 2027.
Alongside this exhibition, the 21 portraits and stories from the North Midlands Project are also planned to be exhibited in the adjacent gallery.
A heartfelt thank you to the generous donors and supporters who have helped bring this first stage of the project to life:
Regional Arts, Minderoo Foundation, Midwest Development Commission.
A special thanks to Elizabeth Christine Reed from Midwest Development Commission for all the support.
* All portraits by David Dare Parker ( except the photo of Nicole and Iindyah together - by Martine). Aerial photographs and seascape by Martine Perret
