Bloodlines at Judith Wright Art Centre from 6th to 20th September, offers a profound exploration of Wymarra’s cultural identity, delving into her rich heritage as both a Gudang/Yadhaykenu Woman from Cape York and a Dauareb/Komet Woman from Mer Island in the Torres Strait, while Seasonal Bloodlines, at The Atrium, University of Queensland, from 9th to 16th September offers a unique perspective through the lens of seasonal changes in her cultural heritage.

Wymarra’s work is a powerful narrative that challenges mainstream depictions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories. Through her use of acrylic on canvas and ceramics, she takes visitors on an artistic journey that celebrates the complexity and beauty of her identity.

The exhibitions are more than an artistic display; they are a personal homage to her parents, Kaunur Wymarra (née Maza) and Ted Wymarra, who profoundly influenced her work. While the pieces are not direct portraits, they encapsulate her parents’ spirits, represented through their Family and Tribal Totems, offering a deeply personal connection to her heritage.

“I wanted to show the observer who I am and how richly intricate my identity is. The stories of my people have been fragmented and ‘whitewashed’ throughout time. I hope this exhibition will take you through a journey of the celebrated identity of my people and…me,” said Wymarra.

Wymarra connects deeply with the teachings of her grandparents, uncles, aunties, and parents, whose stories have imparted a profound understanding of the seasons and the lore that governs them.

“My seasons are guided by the wisdom of my ancestors, who taught me the importance of respect and preservation,” says Wymarra. “These stories from my bloodlines encapsulate my spirit and guide my art. I hope to take visitors on a journey through my cultural seasons, from the far east of the Torres Strait (Mer Island) to the tip of Cape York.”

Born on Thursday Island, Wymarra’s artistic journey began at the age of nine, inspired by the works of Albert Namatjira. Her work has gained recognition across Australia, with previous exhibitions at UMI Arts in Cairns and representation by the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island. Additionally, one of her pieces will be featured in an upcoming book by international publishing house Simon & Schuster later this year.

Both exhibitions offer a unique opportunity for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts to experience Wymarra’s powerful storytelling through art. Her pieces are a testament to her dedication to sharing the stories of her people with audiences around the world.

Bloodlines
6–20 September 2024
Judith Wright Art Centre

Seasonal Bloodlines
9–16 September 2024
The Atrium, University of Queensland
www.flyingarts.org.au

An exhibition in two parts, the first comprises objects that embody a Medieval or Early Modern (c. 600–1800) aesthetic. It includes scientific and medical instruments, religious paraphernalia, coins, illuminated manuscripts and contemporary artworks drawn from across The University of Queensland’s collections. Represented are objects from Fryer Library, Marks-Hirschfeld Museum of Medical History, Physics Museum, RD Milns Antiquities Museum, UQ Archives, UQ Art Collection, and the Vertebrate Palaeontology & Biomechanics Lab.

Complementing this is a Wunderkammer conceived by Her Divine Holiness Pope Alice, AKA Luke Roberts. Pope Alice, who has proclaimed herself ‘The World’s Greatest Living Curiosity’, overturns cultural hierarchies and celebrates the weird and the wonderful in all its abundance. This Wunderkammer collection is held in the UQ Art Collection.

Wunderkammer: The strange and the curious is organised to coincide with the Australian and New Zealand Association of Medieval and Early Modern Studies (ANZAMEMS) 10th Biennial Conference to be held at The University of Queensland (14–18 and 20 July 2015).

Wunderkammer: The strange and the curious
11 July – 13 September 2015
www.artmuseum.uq.edu.au/current-exhibitions