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Lei it on: lei in contemporary cultural practice from the Torres Strait Islands
Lei it on presents a collection of contemporary lei and body adornment made by Torres Strait Islander communities in workshops held on Thursday Island, Saibai Island, Erub (Darnley Island), Mer (Murray Island), Mua (Moa Island) and Badu in early 2017.
The lei’s intrinsic connection to place and identify is evident in the use of materials and techniques, both customary and new. Embracing materials ranging from natural resources, such as shells, feather, seeds and plant fibre through to found objects, recycled materials and plastic, these artists are transforming the way we see the lei and its connection to country, culture and the community.
A collaboration between Cairns Art Gallery and National Gallery of Victoria, supported by Gabi Titui Cultural Centre
Selected works
Messiah Luzab Lera Kaubo Arsir (The whole island of Mer, making things, making lei) 2017, mixed media, 170 x 107 x 12 cm (variable). Courtesy of the NGV.
Messiah Luzab Lera Kaubo Arsir (The whole island of Mer, making things, making lei) 2017, mixed media, 170 x 107 x 12 cm (variable). Courtesy of the NGV.
Ngalpan Buway lei (Our family lei) 2017, aluminium cans, cassowary feathers, seeds, steel cable, adhesive 93 x 100 x 1 cm (variable). Courtesy of the NGV.
Maryann Sebasio Ilwer (The morning star) 2017, rubber, shell, kulap seed, thread, nylon, 70 x 40 x 2 cm (variable). Courtesy of the National Gallery of Victoria. Photo: Michael Marzik.
The Cairns Art Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased persons in photographs, film or text.
