Inspiring islander art

The Biennale of Sydney is once again in full swing at some of the best art spaces around town, showcasing the work of the brightest and most thought provoking artists that the world has to offer.

Many prominent Australian artists are represented, such as John Wolseley and Tim Johnson.  A stand out for me however, is the work of Alick Tipoti, whose exhibition Girelal is currently showing at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA).

This Cairns based printmaker of Torres Strait Islander heritage, creates breathtakingly beautiful linocut prints that retell the spiritual oral narratives of his people – the Maluyligal – who have a very profound relationship with their marine environment and ancestral traditions.

Tipoti believes that “song, dance and the visual arts all evolve from the centrepiece of language” and that it is his spiritual duty to help revive and keep alive Torres Strait Islander traditions and language. In Girelal, which means dances, Tipoti re-interprets and expresses these cultural traditions imaginatively through performances of spiritual  Maluyligal chants that he has composed and choreographed to compliment his print work.

So if you are like me and crave feel-good experiences, don’t miss the 18th Biennale of Sydney before it closes on September 16; especially the uplifting work of Alick Tipoti. Best of all, it’s totally free! Check out all the artists and venues at http://bos18.com

 

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