The Torres Strait Regional Authority’s Gab Titui Cultural Centre officially opened the Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) instalment of GOTAT | GUTHATH | TIDES on Friday 15 May 2026.
The exhibition sprawled across the Wabunaw Geth and Ephraim Bani Galleries to showcase everyday life in Zenadth Kes, captured 50 years ago by a group of Japanese researchers – known as the Torres Strait Kenkyūkai.
Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson George Nona said each photograph offered a window into a time of resilience and cultural strength.
“The images are deeply moving and show the strength and leadership of Elders and community,” Mr Nona said.
“A picture is worth a thousand words and this powerful collection of archives is an entire library of memories, history and stories from a time in yumi history.”
The researchers visited every island community during a time of political uncertainty. At the time, Papua New Guinea declared independence from Australia in 1975, and border negotiations heavily affected Zenadth Kes people.
The images and research were originally published only in Japanese. However, the Torres Strait Kenkyūkai’s work has returned home for the exhibit.
The exhibition was made possible through a collaboration between the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), the Australian National University (ANU) Japan Zenadth Kes (JZK) Project researchers, Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council (GBK) and the National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka.
TSRA acknowledged the extensive work by the JZK Project team: Dr Julie Lahn, Dr Annick Thomassin, Samantha Faulkner, Jacinta Baragud, Will Kepa, Michael Passi, Yessie Mosby, Emily Beckley, Neville Johnston, Kinau Akiba and Abba Babia.
Opening night featured live performances and heartfelt presentations of songs gifted back to the community by the ANU JZK Project team, alongside guest speakers from Japan.
The evening was followed by a day of public program activities, including an artist workshop, exhibition panel talk by members of the JZK Project and performances by singers from Mabuyag and Mer.
Contact the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on (07) 4069 0888 for more information.
