Ku Arts Reconciliation Week 2025 Statement - Artist Spotlight on Kristal Matthews

On behalf of the Board, staff, and communities of Ananguku Arts and Cultural Aboriginal Corporation (Ku Arts), we acknowledge and honour Reconciliation Week 2025 as a time to reflect, to listen, and to act.

This year’s theme calls all Australians to move beyond symbolism and into meaningful action. For Ku Arts, reconciliation means walking together with respect—amplifying First Nations voices, strengthening culture, and supporting self-determined futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As South Australia’s peak Aboriginal Community Controlled organisation for First Nations artists, art centres and artsworkers, Ku Arts works every day to uphold the power of cultural expression as a path to healing, truth-telling, and equity. From the desert to the sea, we stand alongside artists, art centres, and communities whose stories and practices are central to Australia’s cultural landscape.

This week, we invite our partners, audiences and broader communities to celebrate the strength and resilience of Aboriginal artists, to reflect on the history that shapes us, and to commit to genuine partnerships grounded in truth, justice and respect.

Reconciliation is not a single act, but a shared journey. Ku Arts remains steadfast in our role to champion this journey through art, culture, and connection.

This year, Ku Arts has chosen to mark Reconciliation Week by profiling a number of our artists and art centres, sharing their reflections on what reconciliation means to them and how culture, art, and community continue to lead the way forward.

What’s your name and who are your mob?

My name is Kristal Matthews, I'm a proud Ngunawal woman. My mob is over Yass/Canberra ways. 

Tell us a bit about your art practice.

I paint under the name 'Wilay Designs' along with my sister Jazz and I'm a multi disciplinary artist living on Ngarrindjeri Country. My practice ranges from painting, mural work, digital art to weaving.

I'm inspired by my culture and the stories passed down by family. I feel my art is not only a reflection of my own identity and perspective, but also a way to start conversations about culture, educate others, and promote understanding by sharing knowledge. 

My Great Nan, Dorothy Carroll, grew up on "Hollywood," an Aboriginal reserve in Yass. Her family taught her to treat everyone with love and kindness, even though this unfortunately wasn’t the treatment they received. These values were passed down to me through storytelling from my Nan, and I strive to honour them in my work.

My art also has a strong focus on caring for and protecting Country and exploring our shared responsibility in doing so. 

What does this year's Reconciliation theme 'Bridging Now to Next', reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future mean to you?

“Bridging Now to Next” speaks to me as an artist and Ngunawal woman in a deeply personal and cultural way. It's about the responsibility we have right now in the present to honour the truths of the past while striving to shape a better future. 

For me, I know I stand on the shoulders of cultural giants so it's about honouring their strength, carrying their stories and knowledge. Using that as a foundation to guide us forward to the next steps in community. 

 We need to acknowledge the pain but also the strength of those who came before us, they're the reasons we're here today. Being here gives us the opportunity to walk alongside Elders and community, making ways for our young people to stand with pride, confidence and power! 

 As an artist, it reminds me that every brushstroke or digital line can be part of a larger story, a story that links culture, healing, and hope. 

 The theme this year isn't merely just a theme- I feel it's a commitment to continue striving forward but staying grounded in who we are and where we come from.

 Who is your favourite artist and why?

It's hard to pick just one! Besides my sister Jazz, who inspires me greatly, I’d say two other artists come to mind.

 First, Cedric Varcoe, a Ngarrindjeri and Narrunga artist. Cedric’s art and storytelling is beautiful. I’ve always loved his colour palettes and the way he so passionately shares stories, holding space for others to listen and learn. I’m very grateful to have learnt a lot from him.

 And also Vanessa Inkamala, a Western Aranda artist. I was drawn to her work because of the mountains she paints and the way she captures their beauty with softness but also strength. Her watercolour landscapes feel deeply connected to Country and really moved me the first time I saw them, I've been inspired ever since. 

 Both artists have influenced the way I think about storytelling through art- how we can honour Country, culture and connection through each piece.