Tunku and Ngaadi - Cheryl Davison Exhibition, NSW

A timeless Dreaming story from the South Coast of NSW, Tunku and Ngaadi tells of the eternal connection between the Moon and the Earth.

Passed down through generations, this powerful tale is illustrated by Walbunja and Ngarigo artist Cheryl Davison and brought to life through the voices of the Djinama Yilaga Choir. Entrusted by the Creator, Mirriyaal, with shaping the world, Ngaadi thrives—sculpting valleys, carving rivers and breathing life into the land. Meanwhile, Tunku forms towering trees but, overwhelmed by the task, refuses to finish his work. As punishment, Mirriyaal casts him into the sky, transforming him into the moon.
Heartbroken, Ngaadi's tears flow, creating the oceans and her shattered heart blossoms into the Waratah flower. Though forever separated, Tunku's moonlight continues to guide the rhythms of life on Earth.

Cheryl Davison has been working with Primary School kids across the Shoalhaven in developing works that respond to this story in imaginative and creative ways as part of the HOME Exhibition and Workshop Project. HOME is a partnership between Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, the Art Gallery of NSW and the Department of Education Arts Program and involved five Public Schools; Falls Creek, Greenwell Point, Nowra, Sanctuary Point and Tomerong. Davison's work will be exhibited alongside works by the children she has mentored and inspired in a very special exhibition.