Perth Voice Interactive

THE final collection of trauma-healing dolls by late Noongar artist Marcelle Riley will be showcased in a special exhibition at The Wetlands Centre Cockburn.

The textile artist taught folk how to make traditional “story dolls” of loved ones to process unspoken trauma and promote community healing.

Each doll had a personal narrative and told of country and Noongar culture.

Riley used local bush flowers she collected to eco dye cloth and was known for her skilled basket weaving.

For years she worked in the mental health sector, holding story doll workshops in regional WA through organisations like the Community Arts Network and Song Room.

Her unique method of processing trauma gained international recognition and she gave a Ted Talk How Story Dolls Heal Unspoken Trauma in September 2019.

Her dolls also stood on their own two feet as art – she was a finalist in the 2017 National Self Portrait Prize for her work Bibool Yok (Paperbark Girl), the only soft sculpture ever selected. It was later acquired by the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery at UWA.

Riley was born in Moora and grew up in Pingelly on her mother’s country.

She later settled in Narrogin, but had ties to Fremantle, holding her first group exhibition – a celebration of Noongar female artists – at the SHAC CoLab gallery in 2019.  

Sadly, after a long battle with cancer, Riley passed away on New Years Day in 2022.

“Marcelle’s artistic career started later in her life, but she achieved so much in such a short time,” said Riley’s brother, Howard. 

“Seeing her grow as an artist and her dolls nationally exhibited was amazing.

“She was so very brave and always solving disputes and supporting community. I’m so happy her art is to be shown at Bibra Lake.”

Beverley J.Port Louis, a senior female elder from Yued, said it was a sad loss: “I watched Marcelle grow up to become the most outstanding artist to come from Yued country. She is very much missed.”

Thankfully the public still have a chance to see Riley’s final collection Kwobidak Boodja before it is acquired.

It shows her developing a new style – combining eco-dyed dolls with acrylic painting.

Riley’s contribution to art and mental health is probably best summed up by fellow artist Rachel Riggs, who wrote the following for her memorial service: “You are not gone – every stitch you sewed, every thread you wove, holds your spirit and with it, your legacy of story unfolds eternal”.

Marcelle Riley – Kwobidak Yorga – Beautiful Woman is at the The Wetlands Centre Cockburn, 184 Hope Road, Bibra Lake from January 16 to February 2. For more info see thewetlandscentre.org.au. 

by STEPHEN POLLOCK