Jumaadi, In the garden, 2021. Acrylic on cotton cloth primed with rice paste. Courtesy: the artist and Bundanon, Illaroo.

Tales of Land and Sea brings together three distinct projects exploring storytelling, mythological narratives, migration and the diasporic experience.

ayang, ayang or shadow, is a survey of new and past works by leading Indonesian-born artist Jumaadi, whose practice draws from the tradition of wayang kulit (shadow puppetry). Jumaadi’s intricate paintings on buffalo hide and cloth are accompanied by a new shadow-play installation.

par-parā / phus-phusā (to speak incessantly / to whisper) is a collaboration between sibling artists Sancintya Mohini Simpson and Isha Ram Das. Descendants of indentured labourers from India, sent to work on colonial sugar plantations in South Africa, this project forms part of an ongoing practice addressing the legacies of intergenerational trauma through installation, performance and a new series of Simpson’s Kōlaṁ drawings.

Sangkuriang features rarely seen works from the Bundanon Collection by Arthur Boyd and West Javanese printmaker Indra Deigan. The presentation includes collagraphs, woodcuts and editions of a handmade artist’s book inspired by the titular West Javanese legend first documented in the 15th century.

Together, the exhibitions explore cross-generational experiences of migration and the movement of people and goods across the sea. Drawing from both personal narratives and Eastern mythologies, these works highlight age-old themes of longing, displacement, cultural connection and belonging.

Opening Event: Opening Weekend 2 – 3rd March.