An exhibition showcasing familial connections to the Torres Strait’s pearling history opens on Thursday 26 July at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island.
Butal Inu Ngapa Boeytells the grassroots story of Torres Strait Islanders and their sentimental relationship with the luggers that served one of the region’s largest historical industries.
Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, said the TSRA was delighted to support the exhibition, which reveals another, more intimate, side of the Torres Strait’s well-known pearling history.
“We have never before seen an exhibition explore the strong personal connection that Torres Strait Islander families developed with the luggers of the time,” Mr Stephen said.
“This was an era that saw luggers being used for many different purposes and we are proud to share it with our communities and visitors to the cultural centre.”
The exhibition opens on 26 July 2018 alongside the 2018 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award and will feature the commissioned works of celebrated local artists including Segar Passi, Alick Tipoti, George Mosby and Erub Arts, as well as historical images and audio-visual displays.
Community members and visitors are invited to join in the opening night celebrations from 6pm at the cultural centre, where they will be joined by Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts at the National Gallery of Australia and guest judge for the 2018 Indigenous Art Award, Ms Tina Baum.
“We are honoured to welcome Ms Baum to present the 2018 Award recipients and look forward to welcoming visitors to join in one of the biggest events on the Gab Titui calendar,” Mr Stephen said.