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Australian cultural diversity celebrated through art
Gelam Nguzu Kazi – Dugong My Son
(Bangkok – August 2007) Australian Ambassador to Thailand Mr William Paterson PSM and Director General, the Fine Arts Department, Mr Arak Sunghitakul recently presided over the opening of the Gelam Nguzu Kazi—Dugong My Son exhibition at the National Gallery, Bangkok.
Gelam Nguzu Kazi—Dugong My Son is a striking collection of artistic works by indigenous artists from the Kubin community of Mua Island, located in the Torres Strait north of Australia’s mainland.
The exhibition comprises colour linocuts by four artists of the Mualgau Mineral Artist Collective: Dennis Nona, the group's founder; David Bosun who was present at the opening; Billy Missi and Victor Motlop. Each artist represents communities on islands throughout the western Torres Strait.
Drawing on their carving traditions, the artists have pioneered a unique style of Torres Strait art to tell their ancient history and stories in contemporary form. Gelam Nguzu Kazi is an important body of work through which the artists explore their social and physical environment, reclaiming and reaffirming their culture for future generations. Ambassador Paterson said, “Indigenous Australian artists make a unique and very strong contribution to Australia’s artistic and cultural identity. The Australian Embassy is proud to support the Gelam Nguzu Kazi exhibition, which will increase understanding of the diversity of indigenous Australia, and in particular, the unique traditions of the western Torres Strait”.
Apart from the exhibition, David spoke about Torres Strait Islander art and marine life, along with well-known Thai marine scientist, Dr Thorn Thamrongnasawasdi, who talked about the protection and conservation of marine life. David also joined a workshop on printmaking with artists from Chiang Mai and Silpakorn Universities. The activities attracted large audiences and helped raised environmental awareness in the Thai community through a unique form of Australian art.