The national tour of Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai has officially started at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, showing more than 50 prints and private collections of the late Torres Strait Islander artist, Billy Missi affectionately known as Pal’n.
The collection debuted on Thursday Island at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre as part of the centre’s 20th anniversary celebrations held in April 2024.
Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson George Nona said he was proud of the partnership with NorthSite and the Billy Missi Estate to deliver such an outcome for Pal’n’s legacy.
“The exhibition was successful in its bid for Vision of Australia funding, receiving $391,915 from the Office of the Arts to support a four-year national tour,” Mr Nona said.
“The tour has opened at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery and closes at the Tablelands Regional Gallery in July 2028.
“We will see Pal’n teach Torres Strait history and culture through his art at 13 venues across Australia,” he said.
NorthSite Contemporary Arts CEO Ashleigh Campbell shared sentiments about the impact Billy Missi had on the arts.
“It’s been a long-held ambition of our organisation, the Estate and family of the late artist to see his work and legacy shared with audiences across Australia,” Ms Campbell said.
“In the past we have worked closely with Pal’n aka Billy Missi to produce, exhibit and share his work. The last major selection of his prints toured to eight venues across Australia, as well as being seen by audiences in China and Manila,” she said.
Pal’n’s nephew, William Misi shared the wider family’s excitement upon the announcement of national tour of Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai.
“Mina koeyma eso (big thanks) to all involved. I look forward to what the future of this brings!” Mr Misi said.
The National Tour of Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai will be showing at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery from 1 March – 25 May 2025.
Some photos by by Salt Studios. Images courtesy of Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery.
