A Carved Landscape: Stories of Connection and Culture presents a bold collection of prints by Torres Strait Islander artists Brian Robinson and Tamika Grant-Iramu. What began as a formal mentorship between the two, has now progressed into dynamic parallel collegial practices.
Both artists are inspired by their immediate home environments – Cairns for Robinson and Brisbane for Grant-Iramu. Among the works showcased is an ambitious collaborative relief-print, a large-scale installation that merges their two distinctive carving styles. Robinson and Grant-Iramu have divergent experiences of coastal and urban environments, yet their creative responses to place resonate with strong similarities, reflecting Torres Strait Islander traditions where motifs of their natural surroundings are central to their stories.
Their work is infused and underpinned by contemporary Torres Strait Islander culture, familial experiences, mythology (from Indigenous Australia as well as other cultures), popular culture and more traditional art historical concerns. Throughout their collaboration, the physicality of carving lino has simultaneously provoked the sharing of ideas, values and stories.
Essay writer Louise Martin-Chew states:
“Traditional hierarchies are stripped away to highlight contrasts and similarities between two artists from different generations and backgrounds. Through exploring the parallels and contrasts between their distinctive styles, Grant-Iramu and Robinson are forging a new contemporary model for Torres Strait Islander printmaking, opening to innovative possibilities while continuing to work within the strength and fluidity of their individual practices (also showcased in this new exhibition).”
Opening Event: Saturday 6 November 2021, 3-7pm
Catalogue Essay by Louise Martin-Chew (available upon request)
Onespace Gallery Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10am – 6pm and Saturday 11am – 5pm
Image: Brian Robinson & Tamika Grant-Iramu, Carving Country (detail), 2019-21, Vinyl-cut on Arches BFK Rives 300gsm and Hahnemühle Hellweiss 350 alpha-cotton gsm paper, Installation comprising of 38 pieces – approx. 280 x 670cm.1SP, 2AP + Edition of 3. Photo: Louis Lim. Courtesy of the artists and Onespace Gallery.
