Indigenous art greets international visitors into Brisbane

Published Wednesday, 19 August, 2015 at 09:15 AM

Treasurer, Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

One of Australia’s most significant Indigenous art installations has been unveiled by Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Curtis Pitt today.

The work of the late Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori now runs the entire length of the 750 metre long wall of the arrivals concourse at Brisbane International Airport, as part of its $45 million redevelopment.

“I can think of no better visual greeting for our international visitors than Mrs Gabori’s remarkable artwork,” Mr Pitt said.

“She was truly one of Queensland’s most extraordinary and prolific artists.”

Incredibly, Mrs Gabori had never held a paintbrush until she was in her 80s and undertook art classes at the Mornington Island Arts and Crafts Centre.

Mr Pitt the international arts community quickly took notice of her brilliant talent for communicating with paint.

“Mrs Gabori’s story is a poignant reminder of the need for governments to support Indigenous art not just as a form of expression and cultural celebration, but also to develop new economic opportunities,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to building a sustainable and ethical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industry.

“Mrs Gabori’s rise as an artist ran parallel to the implementation of landmark initiatives like the Queensland Indigenous Arts Marketing and Export Agency in 2004 and Backing Indigenous Arts in 2007 which provided economic opportunities by creating global pathways for artists.

“This vision also gave rise to the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in 2009 which has grown to become a major tourism drawcard, generating millions in direct sales for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.”

Mrs Gabori was one of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair’s earliest success stories, becoming an honoured guest of the Fair in 2011.

Her work can also be seen at Brisbane’s Banco Court and next year an exhibition celebrating her life will open at the Gallery of Modern Art.

 

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