'It’s supposed to be handed down from grandmothers, mothers, daughters, granddaughters...'
Marilyn Russell (1956–2026) was a Bidjigal woman from the coastal community of La Perouse in South-Eastern Sydney. Her artistic practice continued the centuries-old tradition of Aboriginal shellwork, a cultural legacy passed down through generations of women in her family, including her mother, Esme Timbery, and great-great-grandmother, Queen Emma Timbery.
Russell learned the intricate art of shellwork as a child by observing and working alongside her mother. Throughout her career, she maintained and expanded this important cultural tradition, often creating works with her daughter and granddaughter to ensure the continuation of knowledge across generations.
More than an homage to family and culture, Russell’s work stood as a powerful expression of identity, history, and connection to Country. Through the meticulous process of shellwork, she shared stories of community, resilience, and belonging, while inviting broader conversations about Aboriginal cultural continuity and the enduring significance of place.
Russell’s work is held in major public collections including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.