Ngurruwarra/Derndernyin (stone fish trap) (detail), 2023. Photo: Michael Marzik. Courtesy: the artists and NorthSite Contemporary Arts, Cairns.

This exhibition is the inaugural presentation of a new, 20-metre-long canvas celebrating fish traps, which are central to culture and identity of First Nations communities across the southern Gulf of Carpentaria. The artwork is a collaboration by established and emerging artists from Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation, Mornington Island Art, with researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH).

This panoramic artwork references key landmarks, and cultural and story places across Bentinck Island and Mornington Island, including intersections with CABAH’s partnership research with Traditional Owners. The artwork is accompanied by contextual material explaining the connection between aspects of the artwork, the community, and CABAH’s research collaborations on Bentinck Island and Mornington Island.

Exhibited artists include Amy Loogatha, Dolly Loogatha, Elsie Gabori, Agnes Kohler, Dorothy Gabori, Amanda Gabori, Bereline Loogatha, Gloria Gavenor, Coralie Thompson, and Joelene Roughsey.

This project was commissioned by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage and coordinated by James Cook University. The exhibition will also travel to the UoW Gallery, University of Wollongong in 2024.

Opening Event: Friday 2 February, 5.30 – 7.30pm, with Artist Talks and panel discussion Saturday 3 February, 10am – 12pm.