Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this communication makes reference to the name and image of an Aboriginal person who has passed away. The family have granted permission for the Elizabeth’s name and images of her and her artwork to be shared as a way of honouring her life and creative legacy.
Flinders University is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Aboriginal artist Elizabeth Close, a Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara woman with links to the communities of Pukutja and Amata in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara APY Lands and Flinders alumna, who graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Nursing in 2011. During her nursing career, Elizabeth worked in a busy metropolitan Emergency Department as a senior Registered Nurse. Elizabeth began developing her artistic practice and in 2014 worked full-time as a multi-disciplinary artist. A gifted storyteller, her work reflected her Aboriginal identity, culture, connection to Country and place and her commitment to truth telling. A strong, intellectual and creative leader Elizabeth has left her mark across many organisations and communities.
As an alumna and inspiring and remarkable visual artist, Elizabeth’s legacy and visual footprint is embedded and represented across the University. A beautiful mural is centred in the Tjilbruke Student Room at Bedford Park on Kaurna Yarta and repeated across all Yungkurrinthi Student Rooms from Adelaide to Darwin. Her mural connects our students and spaces and fosters a home away from home as they undertake their journey into higher education. In Elizabeth’s own words her powerful artwork, “speaks to the concept of journey – of walking in two worlds to become leaders within community” and tells the narrative of many students coming to study at Flinders University on Kaurna Yarta from across the country to walk together and learn. This creative work and visual mapping will continue to inspire generations of students to come.
Another pivotal mural is located at the Sturt Precinct at Bedford Park. ‘Riptide’ was commissioned in 2019 and explores the themes of diversity and inclusion, community and Aboriginal sovereignty. This was created with the support of Flinders University student Lilian Fellner and acts as a powerful visual current of cultural pride and shared learning — key values underpinning the broader Sturt Murals project.
Most recently, Elizabeth was commissioned to undertake work for the Flinders City Campus and Agenda 2035 titled ‘Sowing the Seeds’.
Professor Simone Ulalka Tur, a fellow Yankunytjatjara woman and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) at Flinders reflected on Elizabeth’s impact across the university:
“I am deeply saddened of the passing of Alumna Elizabeth Yanyi Close. Elizabeth’s artistic work has left an enduring presence across the university landscape, her storying of the significance of country, education and two-way learning, Aboriginal identity, and community will resonate for generations to come. A gifted and strong Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara woman. Our hearts go out to her family, her children and community.”
Elizabeth leaves an enduring legacy to Indigenous students, alumna and the artistic community. Flinders has been privileged to work with Elizabeth through the commissioned work. Her smile, laugh and vibrant energy will be deeply missed.
“Elizabeth Yanyi Close was a distinguished artist and valued alumna of Flinders University. Her legacy will continue to inspire our students and the University community for years to come. We extend our sincere condolences to Elizabeth’s family and community,” said Flinders President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Stirling.