Jackie Saunders

Jackie Saunders is a contemporary Ngarrindjeri and Wirangu artist living on Kaurna land whose work is deeply rooted in her heritage and lived experiences as a person with disability. Jackie describes herself as ‘the daughter of a saltwater woman and a desert dwelling man.’ Her work draws on her strong sense of family and culture. It reflects her connections to both the human and natural world, exploring different weathers – internal and external – and the shape and movement of land, light and water. Jackie's artistic career continues to flourish, with a growing portfolio of successful solo and collaborative exhibitions across South Australia. Her recent solo exhibitions include Ngarrindjeri Nukkan: Threads of Connection at Nexus Arts and a well-received exhibition at St Peters Library, showcasing her vibrant interpretations of Country, culture and identity. She has participated in major exhibitions including Tarnanthi and collaborative projects with Tutti Arts and the South Australian Museum, where Mineral Lines received a SALA Judges' Commendation. Jackie was awarded the prestigious Our Mob Don Dunstan Foundation Emerging Artist Award, recognising her outstanding artistic talent and growing contribution to contemporary First Nations art. She has also completed the Nexus Arts Studio Residency, and in 2024 her artwork Desert Sundown (Alice Springs) was acquired by the Art Gallery of South Australia for its permanent collection—an important milestone in her artistic journey.