Cultural Reflections – Continuous Connections reshapes the built environment and nature into new forms that reflect Indigenous knowledge systems continually building and regenerating, reinforcing First Peoples’ cultural continuity since time immemorial. 

Images merge and cycle infinitely, expressing the continuity of knowledge over time and the intertwining of stories and histories. Symbolically this reflects the transferal, maintenance or reconstruction of culture throughout the generations. 

See Kent's work in the virtual gallery at www.natsiaa.com.au  

Kent Morris is a Barkindji artist, curator and educator of Barkindji and Irish heritage.  
Reconstructing the built environment through a First Nations lens, Kent reveals the continuing presence and patterns of Aboriginal history, culture and knowledge in the contemporary Australian landscape. 

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‘Growing up, many Aboriginal kids did things because that’s what they believed an Aboriginal person did. This mentality becomes very destructive when they believe an Aboriginal person is a criminal, violent, drunk or unable to do positive things such as hold a job. These ideas have been ingrained in our people by white Australia and many of us carry out negative behaviour to validate our identity, especially during our formative years.’ 

See Tyrown’s work in the virtual gallery at www.natsiaa.com.au 

Tyrown Waigana’s art investigates identity, experiences and feelings of the everyday. Tyrown creates pieces that are thought-provoking and question art history. 

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Tagai (the warrior in the sky) is the name of the star constellation that is used to navigate throughout the Torres Strait Islands. It is also used to dictate the time of rituals associated with planting, harvesting and hunting. When visiting the region, you would be provided a similar map made of bamboo and seashells to guide you between islands. Tagai is a part of a powerful political narrative that negates terra nullius. 

See Gail’s work in the virtual gallery at www.natsiaa.com.au 

 
Gail Mabo is a Meriam woman from Mer Island in the Torres Strait. She is a multidisciplinary artist working across sculpture, installation, printmaking and painting, and has a strong background in dance and performance. 

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