Djanga Spirit

“Djanga-Spirit” is a captivating photo exhibition and digital projection that intertwines portraits of Elders with illuminated nighttime landscapes created through long exposure techniques.

This project emerges from deep connections with Wardandi Elders of the Margaret River Region, who generously share their narratives surrounding the concept of spirit, encapsulated in the word Djanga. For the Wardandi people, everything possesses a spirit—animals, plants, and humans alike. An Elder reflects, “ Your body is meat, fat and bones but your consciousness is what makes you you and comes from the earth you’re born on – that’s your “Djanga”, your spirit”.”

The Wardandi connection to nature and country signifies a profound link with spiritual entities associated with the land. This connection is expressed through care of Country (Boodja) and adherence to lore, transmitted through generations via the oral tradition of storytelling.

‘Djanga – Spirit’ brings together the multiple collaborations of photo-artist Martine Perret with Wardandi Elder Vivian Brockman Webb, Wardandi Cultural Custodian Mitchella Hutchins, Mabenan Hutchins with music composer and audio-visual artist Roly Skender.