Lawson Dodd, Junction Australia
Image: Lawson Dodd, Flow and Flourish, courtesy the artist.
Lawson Dodd
Flow and Flourish, 2025
Digital artwork
Commissioned by Junction Australia
Flow and Flourish draws inspiration from Warriparri, the Kaurna name for the Sturt River, a significant waterway that has long connected the hills to the sea and sustained Kaurna people through travel, gathering and ceremony. The artwork reflects the ever changing movement of water as both a physical and cultural force, expressing themes of connection, renewal and belonging.
Flowing lines weave across the composition, representing the movement of the river and the interconnected relationship between water, earth and sky. Large circular forms evoke bubbles rising through the water while also symbolising gathering places where communities come together to share knowledge, stories and culture. Layered textures and abstract markings reference the pathways of ancestors and animals, acknowledging the enduring presence of Country and the stories held within the landscape.
Commissioned for Junction Australia’s flagship Thrive Tonsley development, officially opened in 2026, Flow and Flourish responds to the organisation’s vision of creating places where people can thrive. Rather than depicting a single moment or location, the artwork reflects the ongoing cycles of growth, resilience and connection that sustain both people and Country, celebrating the strength that comes from community, culture and shared experience.
Artist Biography:
Lawson Dodd is a Kaurna, Narungga and Ngarrindjeri artist and designer based on Kaurna Country in South Australia. Working across public art, digital illustration and graphic design, his practice combines contemporary visual language with First Nations cultural knowledge to create artworks that celebrate connection to Country, community and identity.
Drawing inspiration from the landscapes, stories and living cultures of his ancestors, Lawson creates bold, accessible works that invite audiences to engage with place through colour, movement and symbolism. His public artworks are developed through close collaboration with communities and organisations, resulting in site-responsive outcomes that foster connection, learning and cultural recognition.
Alongside his independent practice, Lawson has delivered major public art, branding and design commissions across South Australia, with work spanning civic spaces, education, health and community projects. His practice is driven by a commitment to creating meaningful public experiences that honour First Nations perspectives while engaging diverse audiences.
Guildhouse Professional Services
Guildhouse Professional Services (GPS) is a South Australian leading public art consultancy, delivering end-to-end services for major public and commercial projects.
Established as Guildhouse’s social enterprise, GPS combines contemporary public art expertise with the governance strength of Guildhouse, the state’s peak visual arts body with over 60 years’ experience and membership base of over 1,200 artists, designers and craft practitioners.