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Spirit Dancing exhibition at USC Gallery
An unusual exhibition of sculpture and ilma (totems) will be on display at the University of the Sunshine Coast Gallery until Saturday 13 October.
The exhibition, Spirit Dancing: Ken Thaiday and Roy Wiggan, highlights the work of two of Australia’s senior coastal Indigenous male artists.
USC Gallery Curator Dawn Oelrich said Ferre De Deyne of Woombye officially opened the exhibition on Thursday 6 September at an event that was attended by Mr Thaiday and Mr Wiggan.
“Ken Thaiday is originally from Erub (Darnley Island in the Torres Strait) and he makes sculptural works or ‘devices’ that are based on traditional head-gear used to perform his people’s dreaming stories,” Ms Oelrich said.
“Roy Wiggan, a senior Bardi (Broome) man, creates traditional ilma or totems that are used with song to tell stories and make ceremonies. It is colourful and spiritual work.
Ms Oelrich said although the two artists were from opposite sides of northern Australia, they were chosen for the exhibition because of their many similarities.
“Both are senior men in their communities,” she said. “Both are keepers and tellers of the stories that are integral to their culture and society.
“But on a more personal note, both are men of great humour who celebrate life and living with music, dance and art.”
The exhibition is on loan from the Proost De Deyne family collection. The public is welcome and admission is free.
The USC Gallery is open from 10am to 4pm Mondays to Saturdays. The 2007 USC Gallery Exhibition Program is proudly supported by Sajen legal.