'Totol'

Turtle in Torres Strait Creole

This artwork embodies the deep cultural connections and personal ties I share with my ancestors through our ‘Totemic Beings.’ Inspired by the beauty of nebulae—the birthplaces and final resting grounds of stars—I merge the heavens and the sea, creating a mythical realm where our family totems can bask and shine. The turtle looks back at the viewer with a sense of wonder and curiosity . 

'Wiswai Yu'

'What about you' in Torres Strait Creole

This body of work reflects the growing damage to our oceans and the urgent need for change. Marine animals are suffering, and their fate is tied to ours. We must Make the Change,  for the oceans, for the land, and for every living being that depends on a healthy, balanced natural world.

Trawler nets tell a tragic story: overfishing, destruction of seabed, the deaths of countless marine animals, and pollution along our shores. These nets symbolize the human footprint scarring the planet.

The Moon in my art marks the endless passing of years, each one carrying the same unanswered question from my Waru (turtle): "When will this end?" His world,  our world.  is in pain.

It's up to each of us. Make the Change. Stand up. Be the Change.

''Kosar Waru'

  Two Turtles in Kala Lagau Ya  (Western Island Language)

'Nagima’ – Staring Turtles

Inquisitive turtles staring back at you.

This art represents cultural connections and my identity to my ancestors through our ‘Totemic Beings’.  The background Inspired by nebulae (the beginning or the end of a star), I bring heaven and the sea together for my family totems to bask in mythical aura.

My connection to Waru or Nam (turtle) runs deep. It is more than cultural, it is spiritual. I carry the turtle as a totem from both of my parents, a living symbol of resilience and survival. Turtles are remarkable creatures, linked forever to both land and sea. As an artist, I love  expressing my totem's spiritual bond through my art.

'Tagai'

Torres Strait Warrior

I am a descendant of the Dauareb Clan from Meriam Nation (Murray Island region), the story of Tagai belongs to the Dauareb Clan.  My Great Great Grandfather Aiet Pasi (Head of the Passi Clan) shared our Tagai story with the British Anthropologist, Alfred Haddon. This story was recorded in Haddon’s 1888 -1898 Anthropology Report.

This is my version of Tagai. It’s open to your interpretation and how you connect to the artwork. The eyes are closed as in meditation or deep in thought.

'Galbol'

Whale 

In Meriam Mir (Eastern Island language), whales are known as Galbol.
This canvas showcases the diversity of our totems of the Torres Strait. The whale symbolizes close family ties and the importance of social connection.

'Meriba Ged'

(Painting on canvas)

In Meriam Mir (Eastern Island Language) means;

'Our Community/Our home'

This Artwork represents - Connection to Community, Culture and Important Status

Dhari - Torres Strait Headdress

  • Headdress worn by men only.
  • Used during important dance performances.
  • Cultural Roots and Tradition,
  • Importance and Sacred 

Warup – Torres Strait Island Drum

  • Represents culture, gathering, and celebration.
  • Symbolizes community coming together and supporting each other.

Wapi /Lar - Fish

  • Represents culture, strength, and bonding.
  • Interlocking weaving process symbolizes strength as palm strips lock into place.

Totems

Beizam/Baidam - Shark and Waru/Nam – Turtle

Hammer Head Shark - Irwapaup in Meriam Mir (Eastern Island Language)

  • Represents identity, sense of belonging, knowing who you are and where you come from.
  • Totems connect to family and ancestors.

Patterns

  • Torres Strait intricate patterns are used in:
    • Decoration of artefacts
    • Body art scarification
    • Family ornaments
    • Symbolic identification of clan connection
  • Wave movement patterns represent the sea and wind, important elements for travelling. 
  • Other patterns represent cultural connection and movement, starting from the beginning and progressing forward.

'Ailan Boh Mi'

My Ailan Home (Torres Strait Creole)

This artwork represents my personal connection to the Torres Strait, expressing where I come from. Through these powerful symbols, it honours the vibrant culture and deep-rooted connection Torres Strait Islanders have to our islands and our identity.

  • Warup (Torres Strait Drum) - Community Gathering, Storytelling and Celebration
  • Dhari (Torres Strait Headdress) - Cultural Roots and Tradition, Importance and Sacred 
  • Deumer/Gainau (Torres Strait Pigeon) - Unique, Important feature on Headdress, Masks and other Artefacts.

    Pendants – Dibi Dibi

    Represents culture, important status, head of family,
    protector and makes important decisions for the family.

    These pendants are worn by men and women usually someone
    with high status or head of family.

  • Fish-Hook Pendants (Dibi Dibi)

    Represents loyalty, commitment, dedicated and strong bonds
    in the community.

    Worn by Brides, fish-hook pendants represent a strengthened
    bond between families.

'Malu'

Ocean in Kala Lagau Ya (Western Island Language)

As I create the background on my canvas, it takes on a life of its own. Each canvas is unique and completely different from the others.

'Mipla Malu'

Our Ocean (Torres Strait Creole) 

In preparation of my canvas background this gave me  a  bird's eye view of the ocean. This art piece is open to viewers imagination.

'Meriba Ged'

In Meriam Mir (Eastern Island Language) means;

'Our Community/Our home'

The artwork is a symbolic representation of the Torres Strait Islander community and culture. Meriba Ged is Meriam Mir,  ( Eastern Island language spoken in the Torres Strait )meaning ‘Our place/Our Island’.

These symbols are used to connect the artwork to Sea Country.

The intricate patterns used are influenced by patterns used on artefacts and clan body art of Torres Strait Islander peoples. The patterns are unique symbols that showcase the very essence of Torres Strait Islander identity,
and are a visual reference to Torres Strait Islander heritage.

Languages used are:
Western Island Language – Kala Lagau Ya
Eastern Island Language – Meriam Mir

Torres Strait Drum – Warup 

Represents gathering, celebration, culture and storyline.

Warups are used in singing, dancing, chanting, storytelling
and to gather people together.

Trumpet Shell – Bu/Maber (KLY, MM)

Represents community, gathering, important status in community.

In the community this shell represents important status and also used to gather community together or as a warning.

Torres Strait Headdress – Dhari

Represents importance, sacred, community, traditions and culture.

Worn by men only and they are used in performing special/important dance that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Stone Club – Gab Gab

Represents respect, lore, order and culture.

Used in battles by men.

Torres Strait Pigeon – Gainau / Deumer (KLY, MM)

Represents community, important cultural connection and unique.

This bird is unique to the Torres Strait and its feathers were used
on the headdress and important artefacts, since Christianity the depiction of this bird can also symbolise faith.

Pendants – Dibi Dibi

Represents culture, important status, head of family,
protector and makes important decisions for the family.

These pendants are worn by men and women usually someone
with high status or head of family.

Fish-Hook Pendants (Dibi Dibi)

Represents loyalty, commitment, dedicated and strong bonds
in the community.

Worn by Brides, fish-hook pendants represent a strengthened
bond between families.

Patterns and Woven Fish - Wapi/Lar (KLY, MM)

The Woven Fish represents strength in numbers/groups.

Weaving patterns represent strength in bonding and uniting. The weaving patterns strengthen in the interlocking pattern. Fish travel in schools, they migrate seasonally.

'NAIDOC Sign Art'

Symbols used in Brisbane NAIDOC sign 2023

 

This  symbolic artwork represents; Community, Commitment,  Status, Identity, moving forward,  Respect, Elders and coming together to Celebrate.

'Traditional Adoption'

  • The Artwork Symbolises:
    • Deep family connection and support, identity, and culture
    • Honour and respect for Elders and heads of the family
    • The rich heritage and knowledge passed down through generations
  • Dhari (Torres Strait Headdress):
    • A sacred and powerful emblem of cultural tradition
    • Worn with pride, symbolising identity, ceremony, and ancestral tie
  • Weaving Patterns:
    • Reflect strength, resilience, and the bonds that hold families and communities together
    • The interwoven palm strips symbolise unity, with patterns representing movement, growth, and the journey of life
  • Wak - Mat Pattern:
    • Represents the sacred life journey
    • Mats cradle new life at birth and lovingly wrap the spirit at journey’s end, guiding it forward into the spirit world
  • Dibi Dibi Pendants:
    • Symbols of cultural authority, leadership, and protection
    • Worn by men and women of high status, signifying the important role of decision-maker and guardian within the family
  • Totems represents: Family ties, Identity, A sense of belonging, Spiritual connection
  • Dhangal (KLY)/Deger (MM) - Dugong 
  • Waru (KLY)/Nam (MM) - Turtle

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