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Evolution: Torres Strait Masks explores the longstanding importance of masks in Torres Strait culture and how they influence contemporary art forms. Developed by the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Waiben (Thursday Island), in partnership with the National Museum of Australia.

Future venues to be announced.

Slideshow

Wezamarimus
by Kapua Gutchen Senior
Erub (Darnley Island)
Meriam Mir language group
16 x 96 x 34 cm

Burrburr
by Kapua Gutchen Senior
Erub (Darnley Island)
Meriam Mir language group
18 x 83 x 35 cm

Naga Mawa
by Yessie Mosby
Masig (Yorke Island)
Kulkalgau Ya language group
45 x 108 x 58 cm

Keris
by Eddie Nona
Badhu (Badu)
Kala Lagaw Ya language group
150 x 58 x 50 cm

Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Waiben (Thursday Island) is a contemporary art gallery and keeping place for historical and cultural materials. Evolution lead curator Leitha Assan and guest curator Alick Tipoti commissioned artists to design the masks, which were first displayed at Gab Titui in 2016.

The National Museum is delighted to partner with Gab Titui to present this touring exhibition with the assistance of the Australian Government's Visions of Australia program.

Gab Titui Cultural CentreAustralian Government Torres Strait Regional AuthorityAustralian Government Visions of Australia logo

Evolution: Torres Strait Masks was also on show at:

  • WA Maritime Museum, Fremantle, 4 June to 21 August 2022
  • Museum of the Great Southern, Albany, Western Australia, 15 February to 22 November 2020
  • Museum of Geraldton, Western Australia, 26 October 2019 to 2 February 2020
  • Melbourne Museum, Victoria, 15 September 2018 to 28 January 2019
  • Museum of Tropical Queensland, Townsville, 24 March to 2 September 2018
  • National Museum of Australia, Canberra, 19 May to 23 July 2017
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