Sunshine Coast people have an incredible passion and love of the region’s beaches and hinterland.
Strong Community portfolio councillor David Law said it was the foundation of our culture and identity – and had been for the people of this region for thousands of years.
“This strong connection is celebrated in a new exhibition, From the sea, the land and the mountains: Works by Kabi Kabi and Jinibara artists,” Cr Law said.
“This exhibition celebrates First Nations artmaking across the traditional lands of the region – the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) peoples of the shores and the northern hinterland, and the Jinibara peoples of the southern hinterland.
“Artist’s Kane Brunjes and Zartisha Davis share their stories of culture, identity, and Country through their work, honouring Elders, ancestors, and the enduring spirit of Sunshine Coast’s First Nations peoples.”
Included in the exhibition, From the sea, the land and the mountains, is a series of screen prints entitled, Scene Through the Screen, by Jinibara artists.
These works are inspired by species of plants found locally, wildlife line drawings, cultural symbols, marks connected to Country, and the connection between land, health and story.
Curated by Jason Murphy, these works are printed on to tea towels – an every-day object that reflects how art and activism can be embraced in our homes.
Jason wants these accessible artworks to make people consider their relationship to Country and what they do to care for the land.
About the artists
– Kane Brunjes is a Kabi Kabi / Gunggari man who will exhibit his series of First Nations Elders portraits from across the nation. Kane’s style reflects a deep connection to his cultural heritage with the use of traditional techniques, as well as exploring modern themes of identity, storytelling, and the intricate relationship between the land and its people. He is a graduate of, and has exhibited with, the Birrunga Gallery three-year Cultural Creative Development Program. Based in Brisbane, Kane travels to the Sunshine Coast regularly, to visit family and connect to his Country.
– Zartisha Davis is a Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi Kabi woman who celebrates the stories passed down to her from her mother and her mother’s mother before her in her paintings, fabrics and art installations. Zartisha’s work often depicts her saltwater tribe from the Mooloola and Meridian Plains, the shellfish eaters. She celebrates the shell middens which document a connection to lands and people, woven around stories from her family and the Kabi Kabi Nation. Art, song, and dance is prominent in Zartisha’s family, as she comes from a long line of artists, dancers and song men and women.
– Uncle Noel Blair is a Jinibara Elder who spent most of his auspicious career working as a leader within Aboriginal Legal Services. Retiring in 2004, Uncle Noel continues to lead the community as a board member for medical centres, legal services, childcare agencies, housing services and Woodford Folk Festival.
– Jennifer Kent is a multicultural Australian with First Nations Ancestry from the Quandamooka, Jinibara and Taroombal people. With a background in education and community, Jennifer has a passion for storytelling that compels her to engage with people from diverse backgrounds.
– Enid Morris is a Ngugi, Quandamooka and Dungidau Jinibara woman who has been painting since she was a young teenager. Enid was taught Aboriginal art style and techniques by her mother’s cousin, Uncle Keven Brunette. Her inspirations come from culture, stories, nature and the land.
– Jason Murphy is a Dungidau man of the Jinibara people. Using lots of creative mediums such as drawing, printmaking, wood burning and video, Jason’s playful, colourful artworks feature geometric, interlocking images that capture landscapes of everyday life and experiences.
Exhibition opening
Join the artists at the exhibition launch on Thursday evening, June 12, from 6 – 8pm. Opening night tickets are $15 and include first drink, as well as finger food, along with a live music performed by local First Nation musician Lea Sanson.
From the sea, the land and the mountains exhibition will run From June 13 until August 3 and is free admission.
