UMI Arts Summer/Autumn exhibitions

Come into UMI Arts Galleries and view the three solo exhibitions, currently on show

UMI Arts Summer/Autumn exhibition pogram consists of three unqiue artists Tom Bosen, Naseli Tamwoy and Heather Koowootha.

Artwork (detail): Rindi (Freshwater Turtle) by Tom Bosen  Photography: Michael Marzik

Tom Bosen

Tom Bosen is a Western Cape artist from Weipa whose traditional connection is Anguma'Thimaree, Thanaqwithi, Weipa region and Wagadagum Tribe from Mabuiag Island in the Torres Straits. Tom presents his first solo exhibition titled 'The Freedom From Within' which consists of large, finely detailed, earthy paintings expressing the rich values of stories passed on, split landscape scenes, people, animals, history and traditions of his family and people.

"From an early age, I've had the desire to be intrinsically immersed in my culture", says Tom.

"I have seen my Elders do carvings, paintings and dancing. I started painting from an early age and over the years I continued to build my style into my paintings. This was, and I believe is, a cultural desire that's been spiritually bestowed upon me, to be where I am today as an artist and a story teller of my cultural heritage" he says.

Tom explains that he art works that are on display in the exhibition are stories that have been told to him by the Elders from both his Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background.

"To me, my paintings reflect my upbringing. They identify my spiritual connection to my tribal protocols and my spiritual connection to my home land", says Tom.

Artwork: Warulka Lumaik (searching for turtle) by Naseli Tamwoy Photography: Michael Marzik

Naseli Tamwoy

Another artist who works focus on cultural traditions and practices is Badu Islander artist Naseli Tamwoy. Naseli presents his first solo exhibition "Ngau Babun Ngulaig", an exhibition of paintings, linocut prints and 3D works inspired by cultural traditions imbedded in him through his father's knowledge and teachings. His identity and heritage comes from the Maluililgal people of Badu Island on his father's side.

Naseli's artworks tell of his strong connection with cultural traditions and practises and depict his style of Torres Strait linocut designs. Many of his works capture sea life and food sources through hunting practices shown in many of his linocut prints.

"The exhibition is about exposure, a chance to share and teach people living in mainstream Australia about Torres Strait, especially the life of a Badu Islander", says Naseli.

"Words cannot define my emotions of being away from country but my art keeps me connected to my stories, family and Island", says Naseli.

Artwork: By Heather Koowootha Photography: Courtesy of Theo Tremblay

Heather Koowootha

Imbued by her mother's teachings, Heather Koowootha, originally a painter, showcases a small collection of recent linocut prints, etchings and lithography through her collaboration with Theo Tremblay in her exhibition titled 'Stories of my upbringing: from North to Southeast'.

Heather' exhibition will be displayed in UMI Arts new Window Gallery on Sheridan Street which is a 24-hour public viewing gallery for small exhibitions of UMI Arts member artists.

Heather's works are inspired by teachings passed onto her from her mother's culture that is from the Yidinji people and her father's culture from the Wik Mungkan people. Her grandmother, on her father's side, is from Pompuraaw. Heather's father was taken from his mother from Aurukun to Normanton Mission when he was twelve years of age.

Heather's works are inspired by stories and experiences whilst growing up and her print works in particular portray detailed drawings based on lore and order, sacred land protocols, bush medicine, bush classroom, bush food, cultural punishments, and other themes based on community life, history and culture.

Heather works in a range of mediums such as paintings, printmaking, jewellery, weaving and drawings. Besides producing artworks, Heather is also interested in listening to stories and these stories are put into practise and heavily influence her works.

UMI Arts' Summer/Autumn exhibition program will runs until Wednesday 26 March, 2014.