Textures of Country (8)

Uncle Reginald Dodd OAM, known as Reg, is an Arabunna Elder, cultural custodian and artist, using photography as his main medium. He makes art for all people to provide viewers with a greater understanding of the integral connection to culture and Country of First Nations people. In all his work, Dodd shares information about the land, inviting the viewer to look closer and to share the responsibility of care for Country.

Uncle explains,

‘Nearly all my photos are of this area because I can identify with the places and the images: they’re part of me.’

Uncle Reg Dodd has spent three decades working with railway services providing cultural immersion tours as the founder of Arabunna Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Heritage Museum. He has worked for The Ghan as a fettler in his hometown Marree, which is based just outside Lake Eyre, northern South Australia.

‘Society is changing and becoming at one down the track, I'm sharing this information because I need you to share with me the workload of caring and looking after Country.’ - Reg Dodd

Reg was recognised for his extraordinary impact on the Marree community with the Order of Australia (OAM) medal and SA Senior Australian of the Year award in 2019.