New exhibit honours Elders of the Torres Strait

The Torres Strait Regional Authority’s (TSRA) Gab Titui Cultural Centre recently hosted Elders to experience the Muruyguw Ngulayg/Au Le Ira Pardar (Wisdom of Our Elders) Exhibition.

The exhibit features 12 revered Elders’ stories, wisdom and advice through powerful portraits and videos.

The special event for Elders of the Torres Strait Aged Care Association included an exclusive viewing and interactive cultural workshops with cultural practitioner, Margaret Gabey and beading with 2023 Best Contemporary Jewellery Work Category Winner, Rosaline Tomsana.

TSRA officially opened the exhibition alongside the Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award celebrations in early November.

TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM said the exhibition paid tribute to the contributions of local Elders and this year’s National NAIDOC Week theme, For Our Elders.

“I was honoured as a featured Elder in the Muruyguw Ngulayg/Au Le Ira Pardar Exhibition,” Mr Stephen said.

“The wealth of knowledge on display in the exhibition is multigenerational and includes a breadth of lived experiences from all walks of life, specific to yumi region.

“The highlight for me was having the privilege to hear my fellow Elders’ stories and see them captured on footage, for years to come.”

In collaboration with community, the exhibition was curated by TSRA Exhibition & Public Programmes Manager Leitha Assan, photographed by Tari Sagigi, artwork designed by award-winning artist Jimmi K Thaiday, and filmed by Kantesha Takai from Lola Digital.

Elder Wasie Tardent said there was positive feedback from the community and exhibition attendees.

“The exhibition was so good, beautifully put together by Leitha Assan and others,” Mrs Tardent said.

“I really enjoyed looking at the photos of everyone and watching their videos.”

The Muruyguw Ngulayg/Au Le Ira Pardar (Wisdom of Our Elders) Exhibition is showing in the Ephraim Bani Gallery at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre. The free exhibition is open to the public, providing a unique opportunity to experience the cultural richness of the Torres Strait region.