Torres Strait Island Prints

In conjunction with Canopy Art Centre in Cairns, Tali Gallery is delighted to present the work of Torres Strait Island (Zenadh Kes) artists.

The last two decades have seen printmaking become one of the most recognisable and respected visual forms of cultural expression by these artists. Â Pionered in the early 1990s, their natural carving ability on linoleum blocks stems from traditional incising into wooden objects and artefacts and their intricate designs and strong figurative imagery retell legends and exciting stories about their lives before the islands were managed by missionaries, pearlers and Qld government officials.

Encouraged by a generation of proud, educated, adventure-seekers, Zenadh Kes artists are intent on preserving traditional stories and designs, handed down by their forebears despite the many obstacles from mission times, Japanese Invasions during World War II and countless migrations. Â Artists have found their voice to communicate a plethora of narratives, from reclaiming cultural knowledge, restoring moral codes via morality stories and providing us with lessons to prevent over-fishing and environmental degradation.

Featured in this exhibition is Kei Kalak (Glen Mackie), a traditional storyteller from Iama (Yam) Island as well as Justin Majid, Daniel O’Shane and Joemen NonaÂ – on display from November 23 at our opening of For Love of Country.