Honouring First Nations knowledges | Ep. 4

This episode features artist Emrhan Tjapanangka Sultan in conversation with DDB Group Melbourne’s CCO Psembi Kinstan, discussing the creative process behind leveraging Apple's AI-powered Genmoji, to create an Aboriginal flag emoji. This episode explores how even the most iconic symbols require careful, considered collaboration and how creative work can become a powerful tool for digital visibility and cultural sovereignty.

Artist Tyrown Waigana joins architect and creative director Mond Qu to discuss their collaborative work on a set of installations for Australia Post, which were inspired by place and Country. For Mond and the UnitedMake team, respect and cultural fit were foundational to the project. Tyrown speaks about the importance of working from his own cultural knowledge and evolving sense of identity. Both guests emphasise the role of deep listening and ongoing learning, especially for clients and agencies.

In this episode, artist Ryhia Dank and Harper Collins creative director Mark Campbell discuss the collaborative process behind Learning Country, a children’s book written and illustrated by Ryhia. The project was a national journey showcasing vivid illustrations paired with traditional place names. Together, they navigated the complexities of designing on and off Country, working with community, seeking permissions, and honouring cultural protocols.

Artist ENOKi and Missy Saleeba from BKK Architects reflect on the creation of a large-scale installation commissioned by RMIT’s Super Labs. The 38-metre-long installation spans the lab’s glazed façade, with vibrant, abstracted symbols and patterns that speak to the long history of First Nations science, knowledge, and innovation. They share how the project included not only artistic collaboration but also cultural negotiation with Traditional Owners.

In this special roundtable episode, five leading First Nations creatives - Emrhan Tjapanangka Sultan, Tyrown Waigana, Ryhia Dank, Janelle Burger, and ENOKi - come together to reflect on current trends, shared challenges, and hopes for the future of First Nations creative practice. Each artist shares how they bring their own stories and knowledge systems into their work while also navigating the expectations placed on them by clients and the broader industry. The episode weaves together diverse perspectives and collective insights, closing with powerful reflections on what it means to lead with integrity and how platforms like Solid Lines can support new generations of First Nations creatives.

Solid Yarns shares the stories behind collaborations between First Nations artists and industry partners.