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Brian Robinson's Ocean Guardian
MAGNT has an opportunity to acquire this masterful work by Brian Robinson that demonstrates contemporary continuations of the historic carving practices from the Torres Strait Islands.
Brian Robinson, Ocean Guardian – Malu Yawa Garka 2017, Cast aluminium with carved mineral, 110 x 155 x 10 cm
We are seeking your support to raise $35,000 to secure this transformative artwork for display at the NT Art Gallery
Ocean Guardian – Malu Yawa Garka is linked to Robinson’s maternal great grandmother Nara Jira Para of the Wuthathi people. The stingray, yama, is one of their clan totems. This giant ray was washed ashore and turned on its back, exposing its pure white belly. Today the belly is reflected in the white sand of Shelburne Bay.
Hand-carved mineral (design) covers the back of this giant ray. The distinctive design of the Torres Strait, with its origins in Melanesian art, follows the rhythmical forms of pattern and dance. Suspended in space, and hovering as a real stingray might, it acts as a guardian of the reef. Ocean Guardian highlights the growing need to care for our oceans due to increasing environmental damage and risk to reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef.
This work will strengthen the representation of Torres Strait Islander artists in our collection.
Brian Robinson’s Ocean Guardian – Malu Yawa Garka showcases a master artist, a master carver, using metal to communicate his stories of Ancestors and Country.
Every amount helps us to support extraordinary artists and continue to build our Collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art
Through your continued role with the Supporters of Aboriginal Art, you’re leaving your mark on the future of MAGNT’s Collection, helping us continue to reflect the diverse communities around us, and keeping art accessible for all
About Brian Robinson
Brian Robinson is a multi-skilled artist whose practice includes painting, printmaking, sculpture, public art and curating. His work is inspired by his Torres Strait Islander heritage and his passion for pop culture and history.
MAGNT has in its collection two works by Brian Robinson which showcase his mastery of printmaking and his approach to blending time-honoured mineral with references from history and pop culture.
Robinson grew up on Waiben (Thursday Island) and is part of the Kala Lagwa Ya and Maluyligal language groups of the Torres Strait. He also has Wuthathi (Shelburne Bay, Cape York) and Dayak (Borneo) heritage.
Brian Robinson, photo: Onespace Gallery.