Publication Details Paperback; 297mm x 200mm; Weight: 100g; Pages: 86; Number of Image Plates: 43. ISBN: 978-0-6486678-4-1
Author and/or Editor name/s Forward – Lauretta Morton OAM, Newcastle Art Gallery Director. Essay – Brian Robinson, Guest Curator. Translations: Meriam Mir (Eastern Islands language) – Benjamin Bua Mabo Kala Lagaw Ya (Western Islands language) – Gabriel Bani
Author and/or Editor bio/s Brian Robinson is a highly awarded Torres Strait Islander artist and curator. A multi-skilled contemporary artist, Robinson’s practice includes painting, printmaking, sculpture and design. His work is inspired by his Torres Strait Islander heritage and combines his passion for experimentation, crossing the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Robinson’s work is internationally renowned and has been widely collected by major institutions in Australia and overseas. Robinson was the first Torres Strait Islander to be accepted into the Museum Australia Curatorial program in 1997 and has since worked on significant exhibitions across the country.
Year of Publication 2021
Publisher Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle
Abstract Highly awarded exhibition ‘WARWAR: The Art of Torres Strait’ was the most significant First Nations exhibition in Newcastle Art Gallery’s 64-year history.
Developed in collaboration with highly awarded Torres Strait Islander artist and curator Brian Robinson, the landmark exhibition featured 130 works of art including significant cultural artefacts never before displayed or seen outside of the Torres Strait.
The exhibition narrative was based on Robinson’s academic research and lived experience as a highly successful and well-regarded Torres Strait Islander artist. The exhibition and catalogue were divided into four key areas:
• Bipotaim: Ailan Traditions
• Art and lives in transition
• Lagau Minaral: Making a Mark
• Kustom: A Renewed Connection
The 86-page publication was presented in English, Kala Lagaw Ya and Meriam Mir languages and demonstrated the exhibition’s objective of showcasing the evolution of Torres Strait Islander tradition and culture through arts practitioners from the 19th Century to the emergence of the contemporary art traditions of today. The catalogue included an extensive essay from Robinson and full-colour images of the Torres Strait Islands, a detailed location map, photos of works of art from Newcastle Art Gallery’s collection and lenders from across Australia, and a complete works list of all exhibition objects.
WARWAR translates into English as ‘marked with a pattern’. The bold design reflects a strong visual representation of Torres Strait Islander art, culture, history and people. The catalogue cover featured the exhibition title, WARWAR, embossed with a high gloss spot UV.
You must be logged in to post a comment.