Celebrating island life at Caloundra Regional Gallery

A significant exhibition of works of art on paper by Cairns-based Torres Strait Islander artists Brian Robinson and Joel Sam Lagau Dunalaig (island lifestyle) visits Sunshine Coast Council’s Caloundra Regional Gallery from 29 May to 7 July 2013.

Both Brian Robinson and Joel Sam use a variety of printmaking techniques for the 55 limited edition works in this exhibition, including linocut, etching, and embossing. The artists explored these techniques during time spent at the Djumbunji Press KickArts Fine Art Printmaking Studio in Cairns, Far North Queensland.

Brian Robinson is a highly respected Torres Strait Islander artist and curator, with a career spanning almost 20 years. He is a multi-skilled contemporary artist whose practice includes painting, printmaking, sculpture, public art and design. He is best known for his iconic, woven steel fish sculptures on the Cairns waterfront.

Robinson’s graphic style combines his Torres Strait Islander heritage with a strong passion for experimentation. This exhibition presents some earlier linoprints alongside a series of etchings and linoprints completed during two residencies at Djumbunji Press. The move into etching is a major new development for Robinson, resulting in intricate and ethereal prints depicting traditional woven-ware baskets and masks.

Joel Sam’s family is from Bamaga, at the tip of Cape York, though originally from Saibai Island in the Torres Strait. Joel now lives in Cairns, and since 2005 has been developing his art practice in carving and printmaking, with his work now in the collections of several major national institutions.

Joel’s art is inspired by his culture, environment and family totems. His prints feature vibrant images of sea creatures including stingrays, shells and fish species of the reef. Joel, like Brian Robinson, has also been exploring the process of etching. This development has led to distinctive works that feature patterns and cultural symbols referencing his family totems, including snakeskins and yam leaves. Lagau Dunalaig also includes Joel’s groundbreaking Cyclone series of works, based around the series of natural disasters that occurred in Queensland in early 2011.

All are welcome to attend the Official Opening and Floor Talk with Brian Robinson on Thursday 6 June from 10.30am to noon and the following Lagau Dunalaig events:

Linocut Workshop with Brian Robinson

Friday 7 June, 9.30am to 3.30pm

$65 per person. Bookings and pre-payment essential.

Kids’ Gallery Tour: Thursday 13 June 2013, 3.30pm to 4.30pm

Kids’ Club

Saturday 1 June 2013, 10am to noon

Free children’s printmaking with collographs art activity.

Kids’ Club

Saturday 6 July 2013, 10am to noon

Free children’s line and design with pen and ink art activity.

Winter ArtScool

Tuesday 25 June, 10.30am to noon and 1.30 to 3pm

Friday 28 June, 10.30am to noon and 1.30 to 3pm

$8 per child. Bookings and pre-payment are essential.

Visit council’s gallery website or call the gallery on 5420 8299 for further information and bookings. The Caloundra Regional Gallery is free to the public and open, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.